Artwork
A Girl Seated and Fondling a Dove

A Girl Seated and Fondling a Dove is an oil painting by the Naturalist artist George Morland. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A Girl Seated and Fondling a Dove is an oil painting created by George Morland around 1793. It exemplifies the artist's mature style, characterized by naturalist tendencies and a focus on rustic subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene scene of a young girl sitting outdoors, gently holding a dove. Dressed in a white dress and wide-brimmed hat, she is surrounded by trees and bushes, with a basket beside her. The girl's tender interaction with the dove conveys a sense of peace and tranquility.
Technique & Style
Morland's use of oil paint adds warmth and texture to the scene. The work reflects his influence from Dutch Golden Age techniques and his skill in creating compositions suitable for print reproduction, showcasing his ability to capture everyday life and nature with a sense of serenity.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Morland (26 June 1763 – 29 October 1804) was an English painter. His early work was influenced by Francis Wheatley, but after the 1790s he came into his own style. His best compositions focus on rustic scenes:…


















