Artwork

Figure from Peterborough Cathedral

Figure from Peterborough Cathedral, by William Fairland, ink, 1829
Figure from Peterborough Cathedral, by William Fairland, ink, 1829

Figure from Peterborough Cathedral is an ink print by the Romanticist artist William Fairland. It dates from 1829 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Figure from Peterborough Cathedral is an 1829 lithograph by William Fairland, depicting a serene figure in detailed, flowing robes against a solid-colored background.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, holding a cloth or cloak, conveys an atmosphere of serenity and contemplation, though specific identity or narrative context is not immediately discernible from the image alone.

Technique & Style

The lithograph showcases meticulous attention to detail in the figure's robes, with visible folds and creases, characteristic of the medium's capacity for nuanced line work and texture.

History & Provenance

Created in 1829, this is a proof state of the lithograph, issued before the addition of letters (text), highlighting its early stage in the printing process.

Context

While the image's immediate context is unclear, its emphasis on contemplative solitude aligns with broader artistic themes of the Romantic era, though it does not overtly embody Romanticism's dramatic or naturalistic elements.

Legacy

The figure's impact or influence on subsequent art is not notably documented, existing primarily as an example of early 19th-century lithographic technique and Fairland's oeuvre.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.