Artwork

Design for Compositions from Morning and Evening Prayer

Design for Compositions from Morning and Evening Prayer, by John Bell, 1844
Design for Compositions from Morning and Evening Prayer, by John Bell, 1844

Design for Compositions from Morning and Evening Prayer is a drawing by the Romanticist artist John Bell. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1844 drawing by John Bell is a design for a composition related to a religious service.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a shepherd in simple robes, staff in hand, standing above two groups of grazing sheep, with hands raised in a gesture of prayer or blessing, evoking a serene atmosphere.

Technique & Style

The artist employed light pencil strokes to define simple shapes and textures, emphasizing the central figure and sheep, and utilized techniques such as cross-hatching to create shading through repeated lines.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Bell

Artist

John Bell

John Bell filled the early 1800s with prints, mugs, door stops and prayer-book designs.