Low Lodging House, St. Giles's; A Study from Life, from "The Graphic," vol. 6

Sir Hubert von Herkomer

August 10, 1872 · Wood engraving · Drawings and Prints

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.

Artist

Sir Hubert von Herkomer

Date

August 10, 1872

Medium

Wood engraving

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1928