Artwork

Copy after William Hamilton's design for a painted panel in the Saloon of Kedleston Hall

Copy after William Hamilton's design for a painted panel in the Saloon of Kedleston Hall is a watercolor work on paper by the Rococo painting artist William Hamilton. It dates from 1789 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour is a copy of a design by William Hamilton for a painted panel intended for Kedleston Hall's Saloon. The original design was part of a series of four sketches created around 1768.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a group of people in a courtyard, with some wearing traditional Middle Eastern clothing and others in Western attire. The gathering may represent a merchant or visitor being introduced to a group of women, possibly including slaves.

Technique & Style

The artist used watercolour to convey depth and atmosphere, capturing the interactions between the figures and their surroundings. The style reflects the influence of 18th-century design practices.

History & Provenance

The original panels were likely never executed. This copy exemplifies the common practice of reproducing interior decoration designs during the period. Another version of the drawing was exhibited in 1984.

Artist & collection

Artist

William Hamilton

William Hamilton painted actors and scenes from plays in the late 1700s. His real paintings include Sarah Siddons as Jane Shore and a Twelfth Night scene with Maria, Olivia, and Viola. He also made a watercolor copy of…