Artwork

The Barbican

The Barbican, by Frederick Landseer Maur Griggs, 1920
The Barbican, by Frederick Landseer Maur Griggs, 1920

The Barbican is a print by Frederick Landseer Maur Griggs. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Barbican is an etching created by Frederick Landseer Maur Griggs in 1920, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

Depicting a tall, narrow building with a clock tower and arched doorway, the work contrasts a sunlit exterior with a dark, shadowy tunnel, evoking a sense of mystery and depth. A small river with boats and adjacent grassy bank add contextual layers.

Technique & Style

Griggs employed sharp lines and pronounced shadows to convey the building's solidity and the spatial tension between light and darkness, characteristic of his detailed approach to architectural subjects.

History & Provenance

Created in 1920, The Barbican is now held in the permanent collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

As an etching from the early 20th century, The Barbican reflects Griggs' interest in capturing urban and architectural scenes through precise, expressive printmaking techniques.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of The Barbican are not widely highlighted, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Griggs' architectural etchings within The Cleveland Museum of Art's print collection.

Artist & collection

Artist

Frederick Landseer Maur Griggs

Frederick Landseer Maur Griggs was an English etcher, architectural draughtsman, illustrator, and early conservationist, associated with the late flowering of the Arts and Crafts movement in the Cotswolds, centred in Chipping Campden.

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