Artwork
Study of Black Grapes
Study of Black Grapes is a watercolor work on paper by Samuel McCloy. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Study of Black Grapes is a watercolour painting created by Samuel McCloy in 1850, bearing the artist's signature.
Subject & Meaning
The painting focuses on a bunch of dark purple grapes, still attached to their vine, set against a natural backdrop. The composition emphasizes the grapes' deep color and the texture of the vine, drawing attention to these elements.
Technique & Style
McCloy employed loose brushstrokes, particularly in the background, which imparts a sketchy, naturalistic feel to the work. The contrast between the detailed, dark grapes and the more freely rendered surroundings highlights the artist's expressive use of watercolour.
History & Provenance
While the painting's creation date is documented as 1850, and it is signed by Samuel McCloy, further details on its historical ownership or exhibition history are not provided in the available information.
Context
The painting reflects a mid-19th-century interest in naturalistic depictions of everyday subjects. The emphasis on color and texture aligns with emerging trends in watercolour painting during this period, which often celebrated the medium's capacity for both delicacy and expressive brushwork.
Legacy
The legacy of *Study of Black Grapes* is not extensively outlined in the provided information, though it represents a characteristic example of Samuel McCloy's work in watercolour from the 1850s.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Samuel McCloy (13 March 1831 – 4 October 1904) was an Irish artist who trained at Belfast School of Design and later at Somerset House.
