Artist's watercolor paint box
Ackermann & Co. was London’s leading supplier of artist’s materials, established on the Strand in 1797 by the German-born Rudolph Ackermann, then managed by his sons from 1829. The firm also published prints and artist’s manuals and manufactured the hard cake watercolors seen in this box—which do not dissolve as easily as moist colors used today. The box is a rare survival, retaining its porcelain well and palette—the glass water jar has, however, been replaced. Shown with a Chinese ink stick, brushes of the period, and other implements, the box also retains an engraved label inside the cover that mentions "Her Majesty" as a customer. This refers to Queen Victoria, who was indeed an enthusiastic amateur watercolorist.
Artwork Details
- Title: Artist's watercolor paint box
- Manufacturer: Ackermann & Co., London (British, active 1829–55)
- Dedicatee: Queen Victoria (British, London 1819–1901 East Cowes, Isle of Wight)
- Date: 1837–55
- Culture: British
- Medium: Wood with brass hardware, engraving affixed to cover, hard cake watercolors, porcelain well and palette and glass water jar
- Dimensions: 3 1/4 × 8 1/4 × 6 3/4 in. (8.3 × 21 × 17.1 cm)
- Classification: Bone/Ivory-Sculpture
- Credit Line: Purchase, Gift of Annette de la Renta
- Object Number: PCAM.001
- Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art
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