Artwork
Palpitation
Palpitation is an oil painting by the Pre-Raphaelite artist Charles West Cope. It dates from 1844 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Palpitation is a genre painting. It was created by Charles West Cope in 1844.
The painting depicts a young woman waiting for a letter. She is in a state of anxiety as the postman and a servant gossip on the doorstep. This scene suggests a sense of anticipation and uncertainty.
To learn more about the artist's style and other works, look up the artist: Charles West Cope.
Overview
Palpitation is a 1844 oil painting by Charles West Cope, a British artist. It is a genre painting that captures a moment of everyday life.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a young woman anxiously waiting for a letter as a postman and a servant converse on the doorstep. Her anticipation and uncertainty are palpable, suggesting she awaits news from a suitor or secret lover.
History & Provenance
Palpitation was exhibited at the Royal Academy Exhibition of 1844 in London's National Gallery. It was later acquired by collector John Sheepshanks and donated to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1857 as part of a large collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles West Cope (28 July 1811– 21 August 1890) was an English, Victorian era painter of genre and history scenes, and an etcher. He was responsible for painting several frescos in the House of Lords in London.
Emily Merelina Meymott, Baroness Shand (1830 - 1911)
The Billet Doux
Florence Dombey in Captain Cuttle's Parlour
Broken Vows
Portrait of the Artist's Wife
Florence Dombey in Captain Cuttle's Parlour
Scene from 'The Honeymoon'
The Very Picture of Idleness
The Rivals
The Coming Footstep- Contemplation
Ophelia Weaving Her Garlands (from William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet')