Artwork

Broad Street, Aberdeen

Broad Street, Aberdeen, by William Purser, watercolor, 1824
Broad Street, Aberdeen, by William Purser, watercolor, 1824

Broad Street, Aberdeen is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist William Purser. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Broad Street, Aberdeen is a watercolour painting from 1824, created by William Purser, capturing a moment in the daily life of Aberdeen's urban landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a typical street scene with pedestrians, horse riders, and a carriage, set against a backdrop of tall, multi-windowed stone buildings. The wet street mirrors the overcast sky, imbuing the scene with a sense of everyday realism.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, the piece exhibits a soft, dreamy quality characteristic of the medium. Purser's use of watercolour contributes to the serene and reflective atmosphere of the scene.

History & Provenance

Signed by the artist, the work is dated to 1824. William Purser's association with the Romanticism movement influences the painting's emphasis on capturing light and mood.

Context

Created during the Romantic era, Broad Street, Aberdeen reflects the movement's focus on the interplay of nature (the sky and reflections) and human activity within urban settings.

Legacy

As a document of Aberdeen's early 19th-century architecture and daily life, the painting holds historical and documentary value, offering insights into the period's urban landscape and societal norms.

Artist & collection