Painting in England

The drawing is a self-mocking representation of the trials undergone by the artist painting en plein air. As he crouches on the cliff edge, attempting to sketch the English coastline, his umbrella has blown inside out and his hat is swept from his head. The witty tone of the drawing is perhaps a result of Edward Lear's influence on Holman Hunt, who was sharing lodgings with him that year at Clive Vale Farm. This sketch, along with Painting in the East. Grand Cairo 185-, was sent to Rosaline Orme on 22 September 1852 accompanied by the following message: 'You speak of the delights of this blessed island with a warmth which, after six weeks' experience of rain, wind, dust, and bitter cold while painting on the top of Fairlight cliff, I feel quite excused for not finding sufficient national pride left in me to feel. I used once to wonder whether England would ever be invaded; now I wonder that it was ever inhabited, and how much longer it will be before all the people leave for some reasonably temperate clime; before finishing this note I will endeavour to give you an idea of my position while painting, so that, if my want of patriotism appears shameful, you may judge me with proper consideration of the provocation received' (Masson, 1910, pp. 643-4). (For more information on these drawings see J. Bronkhurst, op. cit., nos. D65, D66).