Artwork
The Alarm
The Alarm is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist John Masey Wright. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Alarm is a watercolour painting created by John Masey Wright in 1800. It is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a tense scene in a dimly lit room where a man is startled awake, surrounded by four worried figures. A woman points urgently near him, suggesting bad news has been delivered.
Technique & Style
Wright employed soft, muted colours and rapid brushstrokes to convey a sense of drama and movement. The focus is on the man's shocked reaction, captured through his wide eyes and open mouth.
History & Provenance
John Masey Wright, a largely self-taught British watercolourist, was active from the late 18th century until his death in 1866. The Alarm is characteristic of the British Romanticism movement.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Masey Wright (1777–1866) was a British watercolourist. He was the son of an organ-builder and was apprenticed to the same business, but, as it proved distasteful to him, he was allowed to follow his natural…
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