Artwork
The Rock Roche
The Rock Roche is a watercolor work on paper by the Art Brut artist Spear. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Rock Roche is a 1940 watercolour painting by Spear, created as part of the Recording Britain collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts St. Michael's Chapel, a structure built into a granite outcrop near Roche village, capturing a sense of national identity and documenting a place perceived as being at risk.
Technique & Style
The watercolour features loose, quick brushstrokes, blending paint in some areas while maintaining sharpness in others, giving the scene a rough, sketchy feel.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by the Committee for the Employment of Artists in Wartime, funded by the Pilgrim Trust, and overseen by Sir Kenneth Clark, the work was part of a broader effort to preserve Britain's landscapes and buildings during World War II.
Context
The painting reflects concerns over urban expansion and rural decline, aiming to record places and traditions at risk from wartime damage or modern development.
Artist & collection
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Study of sky effect
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Untitled
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