Artwork
First sight of Jerusalem from the Jaffa & El Arish road
First sight of Jerusalem from the Jaffa & El Arish road is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist Godfrey Thomas Vigne. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A watercolour painting titled 'First sight of Jerusalem from the Jaffa & El Arish road' captures a landscape scene. Created by Godfrey Thomas Vigne, it depicts a view from a specific vantage point.
Subject & Meaning
The work shows a lone horseman traversing a rocky path in a dry, rolling landscape with Jerusalem's buildings visible on a distant hill. The scene conveys a sense of openness and distance, with the city's presence subtly asserted.
Technique & Style
Executed in soft yellows, blues, and grays, the watercolour is characterized by its loose, quick handling, emphasizing the expansive feel of the landscape. The artist's rapid sketching style captures the scene's atmospheric qualities.
History & Provenance
Painted in 1844, the watercolour was acquired by its current owner in May 1971 from Henry D'Olier Vigne, the artist's great-nephew, for £200. Handwritten notes on the paper confirm the scene's identity and the artist's swift execution.
Artist & collection
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Landscape
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