1844
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Dominant colour
Design for Compositions from Morning and Evening Prayer is a 1844 by John Bell, a Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This sketch shows a lone figure standing in an arched frame, dressed in simple robes and holding a long staff. Below them, two groups of sheep graze on either side—one cluster on the left, another on the right. The person’s hands are raised slightly, as if in prayer or blessing, and the scene has a quiet, enclosed feel. The title at the top reads *Morning Prayer*, hinting this is part of a religious service illustration. The artist used light pencil strokes to create simple shapes and textures, keeping the focus on the figure and sheep. Check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shading with repeated lines.
A pen and ink drawing by John Bell from 1844 illustrates a shepherd tending to a flock of sheep.
Read the full account in the museum source.
John Bell filled the early 1800s with prints, mugs, door stops and prayer-book designs.
See the richer artist page
![Study of a Figure from Behind [recto]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/b085eec0e7956255/thumb.webp)
