1903
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Dominant colour
A reader of the Koran is a 1903 paint by William Russell Flint, a Post-Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows an older man sitting outside, holding a book. He’s wearing a white shirt, dark vest, and a cap. Next to him is a bucket and a rolled-up cloth. The background is dark and blurry, focusing all attention on him. The brushstrokes are thick and rough, especially on his clothes and the ground. This makes the painting feel real and textured, like you could almost touch it. If you like this style, look up impasto next.
The artwork depicts a man engaged in reading the Qur'an, rendered in watercolour by William Russell Flint. Created in 1903, it reflects Flint's early career influences, including his work as a medical illustrator and his studies at Heatherley's Art School. The painting aligns with his broader practice of figure studies and landscapes, as well as his technical approach to monochrome drawing. The piece was later acquired from Bonfiglioli in Oxford in 1967.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Sir William Russell Flint RA ROI was a Scottish artist, painter and illustrator who was known especially for his watercolours of women. He also worked in oils, tempera, and printmaking.
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