Artwork
By the Waters of Babylon.

By the Waters of Babylon. is a drawing by Haden. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
By the Waters of Babylon is a drawing executed by the artist Haden, currently part of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work presents a tranquil woodland scene, where a meandering path descends through a thicket of trees and brush. Light filters through the foliage, creating gentle shadows that emphasize the uneven terrain and the sense of quiet movement.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a solitary, winding trail that leads the viewer’s eye downhill, bordered by dense vegetation. The emphasis on natural elements—such as tree trunks, roots, and undergrowth—suggests an appreciation for the subtle interplay of light and shadow in a forested environment, inviting contemplation of the landscape’s quiet, introspective qualities.
Technique & Style
Haden employs fine, controlled lines and cross‑hatching to render texture and depth, achieving a near‑three‑dimensional effect without the use of color. The meticulous shading delineates bark, foliage, and ground surfaces, while the varying density of the hatching creates tonal variation that models light falling through the canopy.
History & Provenance
The drawing is catalogued within the Victoria and Albert Museum’s holdings, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s drawing collection. Its acquisition details are recorded by the museum, confirming Haden’s authorship and the work’s provenance within the museum’s archives.
Artist & collection
Artist
This 19th-century British artist made detailed pencil drawings of British towns and buildings.


















