Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Manwaring Shurlock in 1850.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Untitled by Manwaring Shurlock (1850) — Meaning & Museum

About this work

The Victoria and Albert Museum holds many examples of decorative art from the late 19th century, including drawings like this one.

The image shows a drawing of a decorative design, possibly for a floor or wall. The design is based on a Latin cross, with curved lines and floral patterns filling the space. The drawing is done in a light color, possibly beige or tan, on a darker background.

The design is intricate, with many small details that add to its overall effect. The use of curved lines and floral patterns gives the design a sense of movement and energy. The contrast between the light color of the drawing and the darker background helps to make the design stand out.

The Victoria and Albert Museum holds many examples of decorative art from the late 19th century, including drawings like this one.

Overview

Untitled, a watercolour drawing from 1850 by Manwaring Shurlock, simulates the appearance of an encaustic tile through varnishing. Composed of four framed sections, it recreates 13th-century designs inspired by excavations at Chertsey Abbey, Surrey.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing features two sections bordered by grotesque figures and two with fragmented text from the early romance poem *Sir Tristrem*, arranged in a semi-circular pattern. The design, based on a Latin cross, incorporates curved lines and floral motifs, suggesting a potential application for a decorative floor or wall.

Technique & Style

Shurlock employed watercolour with varnishing to mimic encaustic tiles. The light-toned drawing on a darker background creates visual contrast, while intricate details, curved lines, and floral patterns imbue the design with dynamism.

History & Provenance

Originally part of the Royal Architectural Museum’s collection, the piece was donated to its current holdings by the Architectural Association on 7 August 1916.

Context

The Victoria and Albert Museum contextualizes this piece among its extensive collection of late 19th-century decorative art drawings.