Artwork

Nineveh -

Nineveh -, by Unknown, watercolor, 1845
Nineveh -, by Unknown, watercolor, 1845

Nineveh - is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1845 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour, titled 'Nineveh', is one of twelve oval vignettes depicting landscapes, bound together in a maroon Morocco case with gilt detailing under the title 'Eastern Sketches'.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene, mist-shrouded hillside with a small group of buildings at its crest, evoking a dreamlike atmosphere. The artist prioritized capturing the mood of the scene over precise details.

Technique & Style

Executed in soft, muted hues, the watercolour features pale blues, warm yellows, and browns, conveying a sense of lightness and spontaneity. The loose, sketchy style is characteristic of a particular artistic approach.

History & Provenance

Initially attributed to Sir John Gardner Wilkinson, the work's authorship has been reevaluated based on records in the Searight Archive.

Context

The painting's style is associated with Romanticism, a movement that emphasized the emotional and expressive qualities of art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known