Master Art

This fine watercolour typifies Jean-Louis Prévost’s close study of nature. As a modern scholar has noted, ‘With botanical fidelity and conscientiousness Prévost portrays the smallest detail: almost imperceptible drops of dew on leaf and petal, a small beetle hanging on a tendril. He possesses everything – strength and gentleness, passion and tenderness, a sense for grandeur and love for unconsidered trifle. He is neither pretentious, mannered nor sentimental. He approaches his subject with absolute objectivity and honesty. His technique consists in grace of brushwork and elegance of line drawing.’