Artwork

In the Alps

In the Alps, by Eric Powell, watercolor, 1900
In the Alps, by Eric Powell, watercolor, 1900

In the Alps is a watercolor work on paper by the Post-Impressionist artist Eric Powell. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

In the Alps is a watercolour painting created in 1900 by Eric Walter Powell, an English artist with a notable background in sports and academia. The piece depicts a serene mountain landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a mountain range with snow-capped peaks, rocky outcroppings, and a valley or ravine in the foreground. The overall atmosphere conveyed is one of serenity and calmness, inviting the viewer to contemplate a peaceful natural scene.

Technique & Style

Characterized by gentle brushstrokes and subtle colour gradations in shades of grey, blue, and white, the work exhibits a soft, dreamy quality. The technique employed is reminiscent of sfumato, contributing to the piece's tranquil ambiance.

History & Provenance

Eric Walter Powell, born in 1886 to a clergyman's family and educated at Eton and Cambridge, was not only an artist but also a British Olympic rower (1908 Summer Olympics). In the Alps is now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.

Context

Created during the post-impressionist period, In the Alps reflects the era's emphasis on capturing light and mood in landscapes, albeit with a more subdued approach than typical post-impressionist works.

Legacy

While specific influences of In the Alps on subsequent artists are not widely documented, it remains a notable example of early 20th-century watercolour landscape painting, appreciated for its calming beauty within the Victoria and Albert Museum's holdings.

An Alpine Valley
An Alpine Valley, Rodolphe Leon Berthoud

Artist & collection

Artist

Eric Powell

Eric Walter Powell (6 May 1886 – 17 August 1933) was an English schoolmaster, artist and rower who competed for Great Britain in the 1908 Summer Olympics.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted In the Alps?

In the Alps was painted by Eric Powell in 1900.

Where can I see In the Alps?

In the Alps is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is In the Alps?

In the Alps is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of In the Alps?

Museum-quality prints of In the Alps are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.