Who painted Dormice among brambles?

Dormice among brambles was painted by Edward Julius Detmold in 1918.

Where can I see Dormice among brambles?

Dormice among brambles is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Dormice among brambles?

Dormice among brambles is associated with British Romanticism.

Artwork

Dormice among brambles

Edward Julius Detmold , 1918

Dormice among brambles is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist Edward Julius Detmold. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Edward Julius Detmold’s watercolor entitled Dormice among Brambles was executed in 1918. The work measures a modest size and is part of the permanent collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It presents a close‑up view of a woodland thicket populated by several small dormice, rendered with meticulous observation of flora and fauna.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on four dormice nestled within a dense tangle of thorny brambles laden with bright red berries and glossy green leaves. One animal is curled in sleep, another sits alert, while the remaining two engage in playful interaction near the base of the shrub. The scene suggests a quiet moment of natural intimacy, emphasizing the delicate balance of life in undergrowth.

Technique & Style

Fine, controlled brushwork defines the soft fur of the rodents, while varied washes create a contrast between illuminated patches and deeper shadows.

Detmold employs transparent watercolor washes to convey the translucency of leaves and the subtle sheen of berry skins. Fine, controlled brushwork defines the soft fur of the rodents, while varied washes create a contrast between illuminated patches and deeper shadows. The overall effect is a precise, almost scientific rendering that nonetheless retains a lyrical softness characteristic of early‑twentieth‑century British illustration.

History & Provenance

Created toward the end of World War I, the painting entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection through donation (or acquisition) shortly after its completion. It remains catalogued under the museum’s watercolour holdings, providing scholars with an example of Detmold’s illustrative work that bridges natural history illustration and fine art.

Study of Four Hummingbirds with Roses and an Orchid, Martin Johnson Heade

Artist & collection

Artist

Edward Julius Detmold

Edward Julius Detmold and his twin brother Charles Maurice Detmold (1883–1908) were prolific Victorian and early twentieth-century etchers, painters, and book illustrators.