Artwork
Interior of The Holy Sepulchre, - Jerusalem.
Interior of The Holy Sepulchre, - Jerusalem. is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist William Simpson. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Interior of The Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem is a watercolour by William Simpson, executed in 1896, depicting the revered church's interior.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures a moment of devotion within the Holy Sepulchre, with a kneeling figure in prayer at a small altar, overlooked by two robed individuals on a raised platform, surrounded by religious symbols including Greek-inscribed walls, a cross, and a wreath.
Technique & Style
Simpson employed soft watercolors to convey the play of light and shadow in the dimly lit space, highlighting golden candleholders, flickering candles, and a suspended chandelier.
History & Provenance
A preparatory study from March 7, 1869, may have influenced an earlier 1872 exhibition version. The current piece was acquired from Holder in September 1971 for £7.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Simpson drew what he saw during the Crimean War in the 1850s, including sketches of battles and camps in Crimea and Constantinople.
Chapel of St. Helena, Crypt of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
Interior of the Church of St. Theodore at Athens
Shrine of the Annunciation, Nazareth
Monument of the Cardinald D'Amboise in Rouen Cathedral
Interior of the Church of San Benedetto, Subiaco
Chapel of the Convent of St. Saba
Untitled
The Tomb of Raphael in the Pantheon, Rome
Shrine of the Nativity, Bethlehem