Artwork

Don Quixote in His Study

Don Quixote in His Study, by William Henry Lake Price, photographic, 1855
Don Quixote in His Study, by William Henry Lake Price, photographic, 1855

Don Quixote in His Study is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist William Henry Lake Price. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This photograph, titled 'Don Quixote in His Study', is the work of W.H. Lake Price, an artist who practiced both painting and photography.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a costumed model embodying Don Quixote, capturing the character's eccentric demeanor as he looks up sharply from a book. The study's setting is inspired by a description in Sir Walter Scott's novel 'The Antiquary'.

Technique & Style

The photograph is one of several literary character studies by Lake Price, blending elements of painting and photography. The composition and use of costume recall historical costume-piece photographs, a style that was not universally admired.

History & Provenance

The photograph is held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, despite its founding director, Sir Henry Cole, expressing reservations about the dramatic nature of such costume photographs. The museum did, however, acquire another work by Lake Price, 'The First of September', a still life.

Artist & collection

Artist

William Henry Lake Price

London photographer William Henry Lake Price made early photographs that feel like paintings.