The Return of the Runaway, by Joseph Clark (1834-1926). 1860-1862. Watercolour sketch. H 6.5 x W 8.25 inches. Collection and image credit: © Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Prints, Drawings & Paintings Collection. Accession no. E.117-1942. Downloaded here, with thanks, for non-commercial online use.
In this preparatory sketch, as in later versions of the work, the ruddy-cheeked sailor surprises the family he left behind. The father (presumably), whom he greets first, looks taken aback, his mouth downturned, quite unsmiling; the little girl looks excited. The older woman has yet to be sure of his identity. The telling details of ornaments on the mantelpiece and wall are not yet included here. It is as if the story behind the work, which will never be clear to the viewer, is only just taking form in the artist's mind.
Links to Related Material
Bibliography
Dafforne, James. "British Artists: Their Style and Character, No. LXIII: Joseph Clark." The Art-Journal Vol. 2, issue 15 (March 1863): 49-51. Internet Archive. [Whole text on the Victorian Web]
The Return of the Runaway. V&A. Web. 21 November 2024.
Created 20 November 2024