A Sketch Book of R. Caldecotts, Page 8.

Category

Library Item

Item no

34252

Title

A sketch book of R. Caldecotts, page 8.

Description

In the image a man is shown laboriously ploughing a field behind a lead of two cattle. The twisting branches of the olive trees gently line the city walls. The image is titled 'Under the walls of Siena.' This image depicts one of Caldecott's many travels abroad. Although little fitted to be a hiker, Caldecott was keen to take excursions in efforts to replicate views such as this for his travel journal.

Artist / maker

Caldecott, Randolph

Date

1883

Size

17.2 x 25.7 cm

Type

Chromolithograph

Location

Art and Design Library

This volume of sketches by the artist, Randolph Caldecott (1846-1886) attempts to capture raw human nature and the variety of everyday life for Caldecott’s subjects through the seasons. Caldecott was proficient in creating a narrative quality in his pictures. He depicts scenes of local country life, with images of people partaking in different activities, the natural scenery around them, as well as a variety of different animals that interact with human life. This sketchbook contains a mixture of vibrant colour and monochrome sketches capturing views, figures and animals. Every image exemplifies Caldecott's dedication to depicting the finer details and his clear fondness for depicting his subjects as they were, in their natural environment. Caldecott is widely renowned for his detailed illustrations and his work is considered to have transformed children’s books during the Victorian era, a period which is considered the ‘Golden age’ of illustration with the influence of artists like Caldecott still resonating today.

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Related subjects

Agriculture and fisheries > Equipment > Ploughs

Animals > Mammals > Cattle

People > Agriculture and fisheries > Agricultural labourers

Places > Europe > Italy

Plants > Trees > Trees

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