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Figure Studies, Tangier

David RA Roberts

1833

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Orientalism Romanticism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Figure Studies, Tangier is a 1833 watercolor by David RA Roberts, a Orientalism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: David RA Roberts
When & what style?: 1833 · Orientalism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows a busy street scene with people and animals. A woman in a long dress walks beside a camel, while others sit or stand around. Some are resting, others are moving, and a few animals lie on the ground. The drawing is loose and quick, with soft watercolor washes and sketchy lines. The artist focused on everyday life in Tangier, capturing movement and details like clothing and animals. The style feels lively but unfinished, like notes jotted down fast. Look up Romanticism to see how this fits into the bigger art movement.

The story of this work

Overview

A watercolour drawing titled *Figure Studies, Tangier* was created by David Roberts in 1833 during his visit to Tangier, Morocco, from late March to early April of that year. The work was later purchased from Abbott & Holder in October 1961 for £5, as recorded by Rodney Searight.

Read the full account in the museum source.