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The Plague

James Fittler

1850

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

The Plague is a 1850 by James Fittler, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: James Fittler
When & what style?: 1850
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This print shows a chaotic street scene where people are collapsing, some dead, others in despair. A few stand frozen in shock, while others try to help or flee. The background has grand buildings and a tall column, but the focus is on the suffering crowd in the foreground. Notice how the artist uses deep shadows and stark contrasts to make the scene feel dramatic and urgent. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this technique works.

The story of this work

Overview

The image is a print on paper titled *The Plague*, after a work by Claude Lorrain, produced by James Fittler in 1850; it is a proof impression with open letters.

Read the full account in the museum source.