Artwork
Oriental Capriccio, with water, boats and buildings
Oriental Capriccio, with water, boats and buildings is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist artist William SBA West. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Oriental Capriccio is a watercolour drawing depicting a dramatic landscape with water, boats, buildings, and figures, characterized by soft browns, whites, and interplay of shadows and light.
Subject & Meaning
The scene features a rocky cliffside with a winding path, a small boat on dark water with two figures, tiny path liners, and a spired building atop. The composition emphasizes the grandeur of nature, with diminutive human elements.
Technique & Style
The artist employed soft browns and whites to capture light effects on cliffs and water, achieving a sense of depth and drama. The style aligns with Romantic-era emphasis on nature's majesty.
History & Provenance
Attributed to William SBA West's Bristol period (1810-1840), this work shares qualities with others in the Bristol City Art Gallery. It was acquired from Schidlof in November 1967 for £8.
Context
Created likely during evening sketching sessions with fellow Bristol artists, the piece reflects the influence of Romanticism on the artist's work, emphasizing nature's grandeur and light effects.
Artist & collection
Artist
William SBA West painted watercolours of exotic places between 1825 and 1847. Two of his works here are set in North Africa: “Oriental Capriccio: Ruined Temple on the Nile” and “Oriental Capriccio, with water, boats and…
A view of an Indian city beside a river
Ecole de Virgile, Baja
Palais de Tibere a Capri
Convent of Siltina (on the Nile)
Ruins of an Amphitheatre
Pozzuoli
Convent of St Catherine, Mount Sinai
The Hittite rock sanctuary of Yazilikaya
The Castle of Ischia, Bay of Naples
Gule-Hissa Ovassy in the Northern part of Lycia
Guerfeh Hassan - Nubia