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Stone Relief, Great Exhibition 1851

Nicolaas Henneman

1851

photographic

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Stone Relief, Great Exhibition 1851 is a 1851 photographic by Nicolaas Henneman, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Nicolaas Henneman
When & what style?: 1851 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This is a black-and-white photo of a muscular man mid-motion, holding a shield and a spear. His body is twisted, one leg bent, the other planted firmly. The background is dark, but you can see a hint of fabric or wings behind him. The paper looks aged, with a faded border. The artist took a real stone carving and turned it into this picture for an 1851 event. Notice how the light and shadow make the muscles pop—it’s all about contrast. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.