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Mirage

John Hassall

1920

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Post-Impressionism Early Modern

Dominant colour

Mirage is a 1920 watercolor by John Hassall, a Post-Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: John Hassall
When & what style?: 1920 · Post-Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

The painting depicts a desert landscape with two figures in the foreground. The figure on the left is dressed in white and appears to be holding a long object, possibly a rifle or a spear. The figure on the right is dressed in brown and is lying on the ground, with their head and upper body covered by a cloth. In the background, there is a body of water, possibly an oasis, with some vegetation surrounding it. The sky above is a light blue color, with no visible clouds. This painting is reminiscent of the works of artists who have explored the theme of desert landscapes, and you might also be interested in learning more about the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The story of this work

Overview

A watercolour drawing titled *Mirage* by John Hassall, completed in 1920, depicts an optical illusion of a distant body of water. The work was purchased by the current holder in June 1973 for £21.

Read the full account in the museum source.