1850
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Drawing in album of 51 drawings and watercolours by James Duffield Harding is a 1850 by James Duffield Harding, a Impressionism work, depicting Broad-leaved Tree, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This drawing is a study in Harding’s teaching album from about 1850. It shows a broad-leaved tree, done in pencil or watercolor. The album has 51 sheets total, made to train students how to draw. Harding wrote popular guides like *Lessons on Trees*. John Ruskin said he was the top European artist for leaf textures. Check out Harding’s drawing technique next.
This album contains 51 drawings and watercolours by James Duffield Harding, assembled around 1850 as a teaching aid for his students. The works likely relate to his later publication *Lessons on Trees* (1852) and reflect his methods as a prominent 19th-century drawing instructor. Harding’s manuals, such as *Elementary Art* (1834) and *Principles and Practice of Art* (1845), were widely used by amateur artists, demonstrating mid-century artistic practices. The album provides insight into his one-to-one teaching approach and his expertise in depicting foliage.
Read the full account in the museum source.
James Duffield Harding (1798 – 4 December 1863) was a British landscape painter, lithographer and author of drawing manuals. His use of tinted papers and opaque paints in watercolour proved influential.
See the richer artist page
