Artwork

Shrine beside a tank

Shrine beside a tank, by Thomas Daniell, 1792
Shrine beside a tank, by Thomas Daniell, 1792

Shrine beside a tank is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Thomas Daniell. It dates from 1792 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Thomas Daniell's 1792 pencil drawing, Shrine beside a tank, presents a serene landscape where a shrine and trees are situated across a body of water, set against the backdrop of a rising hill.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing captures a peaceful natural scene, prioritizing the harmony of shapes within the landscape over intricate details, evoking a sense of calm.

Technique & Style

Executed with light, loose pencil strokes, the work conveys a spontaneous, preliminary quality, emphasizing texture and form through simple, expressive lines.

History & Provenance

Created in 1792, specific details regarding the drawing's provenance and historical context beyond its creation date are not provided.

Context

While the exact location is unspecified, the inclusion of a shrine and tank suggests an Indian setting, potentially reflecting Daniell's known interests in Indian landscapes during this period.

Legacy

The drawing demonstrates Daniell's ability to convey depth and serenity through minimalism, though its broader impact or influence on subsequent artistic movements is not explicitly detailed.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Thomas Daniell

Artist

Thomas Daniell

Thomas Daniell (1749 – 19 March 1840) was an English landscape painter who also painted Orientalist themes.