Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. James Ward died in 1859; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1929.
In context
Marengo — James Ward
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 90 at death.
Painted when the artist was 55. The artist lived to 90. 21 of the 31 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of James Ward (1769–1859) ▲ this work, 1824 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1809 Main working years: 1809–1830 Late works: from 1830
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
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/james-ward-marengo-8Y3LTG-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Putty #d2be92
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 56.1% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 143 works by this artist, of which 47 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 8 of them, with 3.2% of that attention. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in London, United Kingdom
James Ward (1769-1859) was a prominent British painter renowned for his captivating animal paintings, romantic landscapes, and insightful portraits. Though often overshadowed by contemporaries, his unique style and skill significantly impacted the development of British art during the 19th century.
Born on October 23, 1769, in London, United Kingdom, James Ward was the younger brother of engraver William Ward. His early artistic inclinations were nurtured within a creative family environment. While he received some formal training, his development was largely self-directed and heavily influenced by observation and practice.
Ward’s career is conventionally divided into two distinct periods regarding influence. Initially, until around 1803, his work bore a strong resemblance to that of his brother-in-law, George Morland, characterized by genre scenes and a focus on everyday life. Following this period, he became deeply inspired by the Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens, adopting a more dynamic composition, rich color palette, and dramatic use of light and shadow.
Ward’s singular style set him apart from many contemporaries. He excelled in various genres, including history painting, portraiture, landscape, and animal art. Some of his most celebrated works include:
Gordale Scar (1814/15): Considered his masterpiece, this dramatic depiction of a Yorkshire gorge exemplifies the sublime qualities of English Romanticism.
The Deer Stealer (1823): Commissioned by Theophilus Levett, this painting showcases Ward’s skill in narrative and animal representation.
John Levett Hunting at Wychnor, Staffordshire (1817): A portrait of one of his patrons, demonstrating his ability to capture both likeness and atmosphere.
His paintings are characterized by a meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of animals, combined with a romantic sensibility that emphasizes the beauty and power of nature.
Ward enjoyed patronage from prominent figures like Theophilus Levett, leading to numerous commissions. He regularly exhibited his work at the Royal Academy, gaining recognition for his skill and originality. His admission as a member in 1811 solidified his standing within the British art establishment.
Ward continued to paint prolifically until a stroke in 1855 curtailed his career. He passed away on November 17, 1859, in relative poverty despite his earlier success.
Despite facing financial hardship later in life, James Ward’s influence on British art remains undeniable. His unique blend of realism and romanticism paved the way for future generations of animal painters and landscape artists. His works are now held in prestigious collections such as Tate Britain and the Yale Center for British Art.
James Ward occupies a significant position within the transition from the Neoclassical to the Romantic era in British art. He bridged the gap between traditional genre painting and the burgeoning interest in landscape and naturalism, leaving behind a legacy of captivating works that continue to inspire and delight.
originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/james-ward-marengo-8Y3LTG-en/
Look closely
Marengo — James Ward
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The palette of "Marengo" is subtle color in saturation.
The diaporama of "Marengo" can be watched on the artwork's Diaporama page.
The colors in "Marengo" by James Ward have a balanced intensity.