Artwork

Ornamental Fireplace

Ornamental Fireplace, by William Mulready, 1850
Ornamental Fireplace, by William Mulready, 1850

Ornamental Fireplace is a drawing by William Mulready. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Ornamental Fireplace is a drawing by William Mulready, created around 1850. It is a sketch of a decorative fireplace, held at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a simple yet detailed fireplace set into a wall, featuring a carved frame, a small shelf with tiny windows or panels, and a fancy molding with a swirl pattern. The focus is on the fireplace's shape and ornamental details.

Technique & Style

The drawing was executed quickly, using light pencil strokes and shading. The style is characteristic of the early 19th century, presenting everyday objects in a clean and straightforward manner.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Mulready

Artist

William Mulready

William Mulready was an Irish genre painter living in London. He is best known for his romanticising depictions of rural scenes, and for creating Mulready stationery letter sheets, issued at the same time as the Penny Black postage stamp.