Artwork

Boxgrove Priory Church, near Chichester

Boxgrove Priory Church, near Chichester, by Michael 'Angelo' Rooker, watercolor, 1760
Boxgrove Priory Church, near Chichester, by Michael 'Angelo' Rooker, watercolor, 1760

Boxgrove Priory Church, near Chichester is a watercolor work on paper by the Rococo painting artist Michael 'Angelo' Rooker. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Boxgrove Priory Church, near Chichester is a watercolour painting created by Michael 'Angelo' Rooker in 1760. The work is signed by the artist and depicts a serene landscape centered around the historic church.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures Boxgrove Priory Church, partially obscured by trees, with a tranquil foreground featuring grazing cows and weathered gravestones. The scene conveys a harmonious blend of natural and historical elements, characteristic of its time.

Technique & Style

Rooker employed soft, pale skies with subtle clouding and meticulous attention to detail, such as the interplay of light on the church's worn architecture and the gentle movement of the cows. The style reflects the period's penchant for blending nature and antiquity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1760, the watercolour is signed by Michael 'Angelo' Rooker. Specific details about its ownership history or exhibitions are not provided in the available information.

Context

This work aligns with 18th-century artistic tendencies that often juxtaposed rustic landscapes with historical buildings, emphasizing serenity and the passage of time.

Legacy

While not individually renowned in the provided context, the painting represents a style common in its era. For similar works combining countryside and architectural heritage, collections like the Victoria and Albert Museum offer relevant comparisons.

Artist & collection

Artist

Michael 'Angelo' Rooker

Michael 'Angelo' Rooker painted watercolour views of English churches and landscapes between 1760 and 1801.