1884
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
An Open Book is a 1884 watercolor by Albert Joseph Moore, a Impressionism work, depicting Sleep, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows a person lying on a bed, looking relaxed with their head resting on one hand. They’re wearing a loose pink dress and a patterned shawl, with bare feet peeking out. The room has a simple wooden headboard and a small table with a book and a candle holder nearby. The artist used soft colors and gentle brushstrokes to make the scene feel calm. The focus is on the person’s peaceful pose, almost like they’re asleep or daydreaming. If you like this quiet, everyday moment, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The artwork is a highly finished watercolour depicting a seated female figure, accompanied by studies of her arms at the top of the sheet. Purchased directly from the artist in 1884, it was exhibited that same year at the Old Water Colour Society. This watercolour is a preparatory version of a figure from Moore’s painting *Reading Aloud*, held in Glasgow, and has been reproduced in several publications, including *The Art Journal* and A L Baldry’s monograph on the artist. Measuring 11 3/4 by 9 inches, it is one of Moore’s early works in watercolour.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Albert Joseph Moore (4 September 1841 – 25 September 1893) was an English painter, known for his depictions of languorous female figures set against the luxury and decadence of the classical world.
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