Who painted A Little Hop in Harley Street?

A Little Hop in Harley Street was painted by George Louis Palmella Busson Du Maurier in 1863.

Where can I see A Little Hop in Harley Street?

A Little Hop in Harley Street is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is A Little Hop in Harley Street?

A Little Hop in Harley Street is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of A Little Hop in Harley Street?

Museum-quality prints of A Little Hop in Harley Street are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

A Little Hop in Harley Street

George Louis Palmella Busson Du Maurier , 1863

A Little Hop in Harley Street is a print by the Impressionist artist George Louis Palmella Busson Du Maurier. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1924.376
Credit line: Dudley P. Allen Fund

About this work

Overview

Created in 1863 by the French‑British illustrator and novelist George Louis Palmella Busson du Maurier, A Little Hop in Harley Street is a watercolor that captures a fleeting moment on a London street. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection and offers a glimpse into everyday Victorian urban life through its modest composition.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a group of pedestrians moving along a typical thoroughfare, absorbed in their own business and seemingly oblivious to any observer. By focusing on ordinary activity rather than grand events, the print reflects the period’s interest in documenting the rhythms of middle‑class society and the anonymity of city life.

Technique & Style

Du Maurier employs a subtle chiaroscuro effect, using contrasts of light and shadow to model forms and suggest depth within the flat plane of watercolor. This handling of illumination gives the street a three‑dimensional quality while maintaining the medium’s characteristic translucency, allowing the figures and architecture to recede gently into the background.

History & Provenance

After its creation, the watercolor entered private collections before being acquired by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view. Du Maurier’s reputation at the time rested on his contributions to the satirical magazine Punch and later literary successes such as Trilby, situating the work within his broader artistic career.