Artwork
The Costerwoman
The Costerwoman is a watercolor work on paper by the Abstract Expressionist artist Ceri Richards. It dates from 1946 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Costerwoman is a watercolour and ink work portraying a female street vendor, drawing inspiration from London's Pearly Kings and Queens tradition. The subject is depicted with a large basket of flowers atop her head.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork centres on a costerwoman, a historical figure associated with London's street trade, particularly in fruit and flowers. The reference to Pearly Kings and Queens suggests a nod to working-class London culture and its ornate, symbolic attire.
Technique & Style
Characterized by thick, bold brushstrokes and pronounced black and white contrasts, the painting features a predominantly shadowy, shape-defined representation of the subject, set against a simplified, softly colored background of wall and sky. The watercolour medium contributes to the soft, varied texture of the piece, notably in the quickly sketched, high-contrast floral arrangement.
Context
Emerging from a context that values the everyday life and traditions of London's working class, the piece reflects an interest in capturing the city's lesser-known figures and cultural practices.
Legacy
While specific legacy details are not provided, works like The Costerwoman are often appreciated for their insight into historical urban life and their stylistic contributions to watercolour art. For similar pieces, collections like the Victoria and Albert Museum offer relevant comparisons.
Artist & collection
