Artwork
Garden Reach
Garden Reach is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Robert Captain Smith. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Garden Reach is a pencil drawing by Captain Robert Smith, depicting a serene riverside scene. It is one of 65 illustrations from his Pictorial Journal of Travels in Hindustan, documenting his travels along the Ganges between 1828 and 1832.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing shows a tranquil scene with a few figures near a large building by the water, surrounded by trees and ships. The title suggests it represents a real location, Garden Reach in Calcutta, captured in a simplified and peaceful manner.
Technique & Style
Soft lines and subtle shading create a calm atmosphere, with the artist's use of delicate pencil work emphasizing nature and gentle activity. The shading technique, likely involving hatching or cross-hatching, adds depth to the scene.
History & Provenance
The drawing was executed as part of Smith's Pictorial Journal between 1828 and 1832. It was later acquired by the museum in 1915 from W. M. Biden of Hampton-on-Thames.
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