Places of the Mind (British Museum): British watercolour landscapes 1850-1950

This book explores the spiritual quests of British artists to capture the essence of landscape and convey a sense of place,drawing on the British Museum's collection. It includes works by Victorian and twentieth-century artists,some of which have never been published before.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

A captivating exploration into the art of British landscape drawing during the Victorian and Modern eras emerges in this insightful new study. Artists of these periods sought to convey not only the physical characteristics of a landscape but also its profound emotional and spiritual essence, as aptly described by critic Geoffrey Grigson as "places of the mind." This captivating exploration delves into the artistic endeavors of artists during the period spanning from 1850 to 1950, drawing upon the remarkable collection housed in the British Museums. Through their imaginative and personal responses to the artistic, cultural, and social upheavals of their time, these artists expanded and enriched the genre of landscape drawing, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

The book showcases a diverse range of works by renowned Victorian artists such as Edward Burne-Jones, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Edward Poynter, as well as numerous notable twentieth-century artists, including John and Paul Nash, Ben Nicholson, and Henry Moore. Many of these artworks have been previously unpublished, offering a fresh perspective on the rich tapestry of British landscape art during these transformative periods.

The artists of the Victorian and early Modern periods embarked on a spiritual quest to capture the essence of landscape and convey a sense of place. They sought to evoke emotions and provoke thought through their artistic interpretations, transcending the mere representation of nature. By incorporating their unique perspectives and artistic styles, they created works that not only captured the beauty of the natural world but also reflected the cultural and societal influences of their time.

This fascinating study sheds light on the artistic journey of these artists, highlighting their contributions to the development of landscape drawing as a genre. It explores the ways in which they incorporated various techniques, such as watercolors, to convey their artistic vision and evoke a sense of wonder and awe in their viewers. The book also provides a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which these artists worked, shedding light on the social, political, and artistic movements that shaped their artistic practices.

In conclusion, this captivating exploration into the art of British landscape drawing during the Victorian and Modern eras offers a fresh perspective on the rich heritage of this artistic tradition. Through the examination of the works of these talented artists and their creative responses to the challenges of their time, it reveals the profound emotional and spiritual dimensions of landscape art. This book serves as a valuable resource for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of British artistic history.

Weight: 1260g
Dimension: 258 x 257 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500026403