Victorian Watercolours

Book excerpt: The Victorian era gave rise to some of the most beautiful and extraordinary watercolours ever painted. With their meticulous technique and discreet purpose, they convey much about the romantic and moral temperament of the age. Through his discussion of subject matter and stylistic development, Christopher Newall provides a fascinating insight into the artistic sensibility of the period. 'This is an informative and well-illustrated guide to an under-studied but fascinating period in the long history of the British watercolour. Graham Reynolds, Times Literary Supplement, 29 January - 4 February 1988. 'Newall possesses the rare ability of being able to make the reader really visualize an individual painting and the book abounds with deeply felt and brilliantly communicated descriptive passages.' Lionel Lambourne, Apollo, April 1989