A Man standing by Rocks, Thebes
1848
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1848
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This sketch shows a man standing next to a rocky outcrop. He’s wearing a loose, light-brown robe and a tall, yellowish hat. A blue-and-red scarf hangs over one shoulder, and he holds a curved stick in his right hand. His face is calm, with a slight mustache and serious expression. The background is mostly blank, with just a hint of sky and some faint brushstrokes. The painting uses soft watercolors, blending colors to show light and shadow. The rocks and clothes look almost sketchy, like the artist worked fast. This loose style was common in travel sketches from the time. If you like this, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more works like it.
