Artwork

The Royal Mails Departure from the General Post Office, London

The Royal Mails Departure from the General Post Office, London, by James Pollard, ink, 1830
The Royal Mails Departure from the General Post Office, London, by James Pollard, ink, 1830

The Royal Mails Departure from the General Post Office, London is an ink print by the Romanticist artist James Pollard. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Royal Mails Departure from the General Post Office, London is a hand-colored aquatint print created by James Pollard in 1830.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a bustling London street scene with horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians in formal attire, set against the backdrop of a large, columned building. The tranquil atmosphere and attention to detail evoke a sense of everyday life in 19th-century London.

Technique & Style

Pollard's use of smooth, gradated colors effectively captures the interplay of light and shadow, imbuing the scene with a sense of stillness despite the presence of horses and carriages poised for movement.

Context

This work is characteristic of Romanticism, a style that often elevated mundane scenes to convey broader narratives and emotional resonance.

Artist & collection

Artist

James Pollard

James Pollard (1792–1867) was an artist.

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