This early 19th-century watercolour by British artist Alfred Gomersal Vickers (1810 - 1837) depicts a landscape with a church, probably in Russia or Poland.
Standing on the banks of a swollen river, a church with two steeples, delicately rendered. Its spires extending upwards echoing the masts of nearby boats. Vickers drew this from life during a tour commissioned by his patron, Charles Heath (1785-1848).
In 1833, Heath sent Vickers to Russia to capture views of his travels. A significant project, with Heath also working with JMW Turner. Many of Vickers’ drawings were later engraved and used to illustrate ‘The Annuals’. While also contributing to ‘A Journey to St. Petersburg and Moscow’.
An accomplished draughtsman, Vickers’ deft handling renders each view with delicacy and grace. Note the attention to detail, particularly with the architecture, and the intelligent composition.
Held in a later frame and glazed.
Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 16½” x 14” / 42cm x 36cm
Year of creation: c. 1835
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £12,999
Alfred Gomersal Vickers was trained by his father Alfred Vickers. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, British Institution, Suffolk Street and the New Watercolour Society. His works are held in numerous public collections including at the British Museum, The Met Museum, V&A, Royal Museums Greenwich, Norfolk Museums, Eton College, The Courtauld, London, National Maritime Museum and the National Trust (Plas yn Rhiw).
Learn more about Alfred Gomersal Vickers in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
