Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Flies

Name Class Date

charles poingdestre, Flies (1875), Hospitalfield Arts. Public domain.

The facts

Artist
charles poingdestre originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/charles-poingdestre/
Artist’s dates
1825 – 1905
Painted
1875
Original size
97 x 158 cm
Held at
Hospitalfield Arts originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/hospitalfield-arts-arbroath/

In context

Flies — charles poingdestre

How big is it?

The original measures 97 × 158 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1820
  2. 1830
  3. 1840
  4. 1850
  5. 1860
  6. 1870
  7. 1880
  8. 1890
  9. 1900

Shaded: the lifetime of charles poingdestre (1825–1905) ▲ this work, 1875

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/charles-poingdestre-flies-AQU86S-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Rosy Brown #b0a187

    Catalogued palette

    • #B0A187
    • #745E3A
    • #463727
    • #92856E
    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Rosy Brown
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Bright How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    charles poingdestre

    early life and artistic pursuits

    charles henry poingdestre, a british painter, was born in 1825 on the island of jersey. though his early life is not extensively documented, it is evident that he had an innate inclination towards art, which later blossomed into a successful artistic career.

    notable works and artistic style

    poingdestre's work is characterized by serene landscapes, often depicting the italian countryside. two notable pieces, campagna romana and paludi pontine, showcase his skill in capturing the essence of the roman landscape. these works exemplify his affinity for italian scenery, reflecting a sense of tranquility.

    professional affiliations and exhibitions

    poingdestre was a member of the british academy in rome, where he spent thirty years honing his craft. his involvement with this prestigious institution underscores his commitment to artistic excellence. though specific exhibition details are scarce, it is known that his work was showcased at various venues during his lifetime.

    legacy and influence

    though not a household name today, poingdestre's contributions to the world of landscape painting are undeniable. his serene compositions continue to inspire artists seeking to capture the beauty of the italian countryside.

    key works:

    campagna romana

    paludi pontine

    notable affiliations:

    british academy, rome

    style:

    serene landscapes, often of italian origin

    exploring more with AllPaintingsStore

    for a deeper dive into the world of art, including works by charles poingdestre and other notable artists, visit https://AllPaintingsStore.com. this platform offers not only a vast collection of artworks but also the opportunity to order museum-quality reproductions.

    discover the musée maurice denis, a hidden gem in france, and its impressive post-impressionism collection on https://AllPaintingsStore.com.

    learn more about the musée municipal, saint-lo, france, and its diverse artworks on https://AllPaintingsStore.com.

    references:

    discover the musee municipal (saint-lo, france) and its artworks

    charles poingdestre — wikipédia

    Museum

    Hospitalfield Arts

    On show in Arbroath, United Kingdom

    A Sanctuary of Sovereignty and Spirit

    In the heart of Arbroath, where the salt spray of the North Sea meets the ancient stones of Angus, lies Hospitalfield Arts, a place where the echoes of medieval defiance harmonize with the vanguard of contemporary creativity. To step into this space is to walk through a living chronicle of Scottish identity. The site is not merely a gallery but a profound intersection of architectural heritage and intellectual rebellion. It is here that the very concept of independence was etched into the annals of history, most notably through the spirit of the Declaration of Embroath. This monumental document, which asserted Scotland’s right to self-determination against the encroaching might of England, provides a heavy, beautiful atmosphere of resilience that permeates every corridor and courtyard of the estate.

    The architecture of Hospitalfield serves as a silent protagonist in the narrative of the arts. The estate possesses a rare, tactile quality, where the rugged textures of historic masonry meet the light-filled expanses required for modern contemplation. For the art lover, the physical environment acts as a frame, elevating the works on display from mere objects to essential components of a larger historical dialogue. The interplay between the ancient, weathered structures and the curated contemporary installations creates a tension that is both intellectually stimulating and visually arresting. It is an ideal setting for those who seek art that does not merely decorate a space but defines its soul.

    The collection and exhibition program at Hospitalfield are characterized by a deep commitment to the transformative power of making. Rather than acting as a static repository for the past, the institution functions as a dynamic laboratory for the present. Notable exhibitions often bridge the gap between the archival and the experimental, inviting visitors to witness the evolution of artistic thought. For collectors and interior designers, the museum offers a masterclass in how historical weight can be balanced with modern aesthetic sensibilities. The curation frequently explores themes of landscape, memory, and the enduring strength of the human spirit, mirroring the very defiance found in the Declaration of Arbroath.

    What truly distinguishes Hospitalfield Arts is its role as a crucible for new ideas. It is a place where the legacy of the past—the grit of independence and the grandeur of monastic history—is used to fuel the creative fires of the future. Whether one is drawn by the profound historical significance of the site or the sophisticated curation of its contemporary galleries, the experience remains deeply transformative. It is a destination for those who understand that art is not just something to be viewed, but something to be lived within, much like the enduring legacy of the Scottish people themselves.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Flies

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/charles-poingdestre-flies-AQU86S-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    poingdestre, charles. Flies. 1875, Hospitalfield Arts. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/charles-poingdestre-flies-AQU86S-en/
    APA
    poingdestre, charles (1875). Flies [Painting]. Hospitalfield Arts. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/charles-poingdestre-flies-AQU86S-en/
    Chicago
    charles poingdestre. Flies. 1875. Hospitalfield Arts. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/charles-poingdestre-flies-AQU86S-en/
    Harvard
    poingdestre, charles (1875) Flies. Hospitalfield Arts. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/charles-poingdestre-flies-AQU86S-en/

    Look closely

    Flies — charles poingdestre

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Still Life with a Boar's Head (1869), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. charles poingdestre was about 50 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.