January and May
1770
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1770
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Dominant colour
January and May is a 1770 watercolor by Hamilton Mortimer, a Rococo painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows two figures in a rocky landscape. One person is standing, holding a child and looking up at a winged figure floating above them. The winged figure has outstretched arms and seems to be reaching down. The colors are mostly muted grays and browns, with some blue details in the clothing. The winged figure looks like a classical angel or spirit, but the scene feels dramatic and emotional. The artist used soft shading to give the figures volume and depth. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this lighting technique works.
