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The Xanthus Valley, Lycia

Harry John Johnson

1844

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

British Romanticism Romanticism Early 19th Century Landscape

Dominant colour

The Xanthus Valley, Lycia is a 1844 watercolor by Harry John Johnson, a British Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Harry John Johnson
When & what style?: 1844 · British Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a quiet valley with rolling hills in the distance. The sky is pale blue, almost washed out. Below, a flat plain stretches out, dotted with a few small trees and bushes. The colors are soft—mostly blues, greens, and light browns. The artist used quick, loose brushstrokes, especially on the hills. It looks like they were working fast, maybe outside. The scene feels calm but a little empty. If you like this style, check out Romanticism next.

The story of this work

Overview

A pencil sketch is faintly visible on the reverse of this painting. It depicts a view of the Xanthus Valley in Lycia, likely from the vicinity of Tlos along the Esen Çay, possibly near Kinik or Kemer. The work relates to the artist's travels in the region with William Müller. It was purchased from Holder in September 1970 for £4.

Read the full account in the museum source.