Low Lodging House, St. Giles's; A Study from Life, from "The Graphic," vol. 6
Herkomer depicts poor women in cheap accommodations in the London neighborhood of St. Giles that borders Soho and Bloomsbury. Such scenes were uncommon in contemporary illustrated journalism, but "The Graphic" championed an unflinching portrayal of the outcasts of society. Most of the women are elderly, perhaps widows forced to remain in housing that was intended as a temporary solution for homelessness. Early in his career, Van Gogh admired Herkomer and collected prints such as this. Noticing how these slumped postures and clenched hands convey suffering, the Dutch artist made related figure studies.
Artwork Details
- Title: Low Lodging House, St. Giles's; A Study from Life, from "The Graphic," vol. 6
- Artist: After Sir Hubert von Herkomer (British, Waal, Bavaria 1849–1914 Budleigh Salterton, Devon)
- Date: August 10, 1872
- Medium: Wood engraving
- Dimensions: image: 8 7/8 x 11 3/4 in. (22.5 x 29.9 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1928
- Object Number: 28.111.13(12)
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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