Artwork

Ypres

Ypres, by Louis Ginnett, 1917
Ypres, by Louis Ginnett, 1917

Ypres is a drawing by Louis Ginnett. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Ypres is a 1917 topographical drawing by Louis Ginnett, rendered in pencil and wash, capturing the war-torn Belgian city in a state of devastation.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing portrays a desolate Ypres landscape, with ruined structures in the background, sparse trees, and a barren foreground, evoking a somber mood of melancholy and loss.

Technique & Style

Ginnett employed muted colors and rough textures, achieved through pencil and wash, to convey devastation and decay; the piece exemplifies techniques such as cross-hatching.

History & Provenance

Created in 1917, the drawing is a firsthand depiction of Ypres during World War I; however, specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

Ypres was a pivotal and heavily damaged location during World War I, and Ginnett's drawing provides a visual testament to the war's destructive impact on the city.

Artist & collection

Artist

Louis Ginnett

Louis Ginnett drew scenes from the Western Front during World War I, recording what he saw in pencil and ink.