Artwork
An Arab Dhow in the Red Sea
An Arab Dhow in the Red Sea is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Henry Westcarr. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
An Arab Dhow in the Red Sea is a pencil drawing created by Henry Westcarr in 1822. It depicts a traditional Arab sailing vessel in the Red Sea, near what is now Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing shows a serene scene of a dhow sailing on calm waters, with distant mountains in the background. The centered composition and billowing sail convey a sense of tranquility and movement.
Technique & Style
The drawing is characterized by delicate lines, subtle shading, and gentle curves, creating a soft and flowing image that captures the natural world.
History & Provenance
The drawing is linked to Captain Robert Elliott's work, as both artists were in Egypt simultaneously and Elliott is mentioned in Westcarr's journal. It relates to an engraving published in Elliott's 1835 book, Views in India, China, and on the Shores of the Red Sea.
Artist & collection
Artist
Henry Westcarr drew ships and coastal scenes in the early 1800s. One sheet shows *An Arab Dhow in the Red Sea*, a careful line drawing of a wooden trading vessel with its curved prow cutting through waves. Like many…
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