Artwork
Study from a model for the full length painting of Lady Middleton, wife of Digby, 9th Lord Middleton
Study from a model for the full length painting of Lady Middleton, wife of Digby, 9th Lord Middleton is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Walter Chamberlain Urwick. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1896 watercolour study by Walter Chamberlain Urwick serves as a preparatory work for a full-length portrait of Lady Middleton, wife of Digby, 9th Lord Middleton. The piece is signed and initialled by the artist.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a model posing as Lady Middleton, attired in a dark, high-necked dress and a wide-brimmed hat adorned with a feather. Her restrained hairstyle and calm demeanor suggest a portrayal of elegance and composure.
Technique & Style
Urwick employed loose, watery brushstrokes to achieve a gentle, sketchy appearance, eschewing harsh lines. This approach aligns with Impressionist principles, emphasizing soft focus and natural light, as evident in the blurred background that highlights the subject's face and shoulders.
History & Provenance
Created in 1896, the watercolour is a preliminary study for a larger, full-length portrait commission of Lady Middleton. Specific provenance details beyond the artist's signature and initial are not provided.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Walter Chamberlain Urwick (1864–1943) was an artist, born in London.
