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Figure in Arab dress (probably Lord Kitchener) with a group of Arab men in front of a temple

Richard Caton Woodville

1874

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Orientalism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Figure in Arab dress (probably Lord Kitchener) with a group of Arab men in front of a temple is a 1874 watercolor by Richard Caton Woodville, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Richard Caton Woodville
When & what style?: 1874 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This watercolor painting shows a man in Arab dress standing in front of a temple with a group of Arab men. The man is dressed in a long robe and headscarf, and he holds a sword at his side. The other men are also dressed in traditional Arab clothing, and they seem to be engaged in conversation. The temple in the background is grand and imposing, with tall columns and intricate carvings. The artist has used a range of colors to capture the warm, sunny atmosphere of the scene. The brushstrokes are loose and expressive, giving the painting a sense of energy and movement. The painting is a great example of the Impressionist style, which emphasizes capturing the fleeting moments of everyday life. If you're interested in learning more about this style, check out the Impressionism movement.

The story of this work

Overview

A watercolour drawing by Richard Caton Woodville depicts a figure in Arab dress, likely Lord Kitchener, accompanied by a group of Arab men in front of a temple identified as the Temple of Bacchus at Baalbek. The work was created in 1874, possibly during Kitchener’s involvement with the Palestine Exploration Fund or his later survey of the Sinai Peninsula. Two related drawings, SD.1219 and SD.1220, were likely intended for publication in a periodical. The piece was acquired by Maggs in February 1970 for £24.

Read the full account in the museum source.