Artwork
French Fisherwomen

French Fisherwomen is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist William Lee. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
French Fisherwomen is a watercolour painting by William Lee, signed and dated 1855. The work depicts a scene of daily life on a rocky shoreline.
Subject & Meaning
The painting focuses on a woman, prominently dressed in a blue top and yellow-orange skirt, engaged in fishing with a net. Accompanied by two figures in the background, one with a basket, the other with a shovel, the scene conveys a sense of simple, seaside livelihoods.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the painting features bold yet soft colors that blend characteristically with the medium. The overall effect is one of subtle vibrancy against a light sky and dry, rocky terrain.
History & Provenance
Signed and dated by the artist in 1855, the painting's specific history and ownership prior to its current location are not detailed here. It is currently part of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Context
Created in 1855, French Fisherwomen reflects a mid-19th-century interest in depicting everyday life and the humble occupations of common people, set against the natural backdrop of the sea.
Legacy
As part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection, French Fisherwomen contributes to the institution's holdings of 19th-century watercolours, offering insight into the artistic practices and thematic concerns of its time.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Seward Burroughs II (; February 5, 1914 – August 2, 1997) was an American writer and visual artist.










