Who painted Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium)?

Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) was painted by Pierre Joseph Redouté in 1787.

Where can I see Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium)?

Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium)?

Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium)

Pierre Joseph Redouté , 1787

Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) is a watercolor work on paper by the Rococo painting artist Pierre Joseph Redouté. It dates from 1787 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour depicts a Canterbury bell flower with a dragonfly on its stem.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour depicts a Canterbury bell flower with a dragonfly on its stem. Created during a visit to a botanist's home in London, it showcases the artist's technical skill in a more informal setting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting features a single Canterbury bell flower, rendered in detail, with a dragonfly perched on its stem, highlighting the artist's ability to capture the subtleties of natural forms.

Technique & Style

The transparency of the watercolour medium is exploited to convey the delicate sheen of the petals and the transparent wings of the dragonfly, demonstrating the artist's mastery of layering and texture.

History & Provenance

The work was gifted to the botanist James Lee in return for his hospitality during the artist's stay at his home in Hammersmith, west London.

Artist & collection

Artist

Pierre Joseph Redouté

Pierre-Joseph Redouté (French pronunciation: , 10 July 1759 – 19 June 1840), was a painter and botanist from the Austrian Netherlands, known for his watercolours of roses, lilies and other flowers at the Château de…