Figure Studies
c. late 1770s
George Romney English, 1734-1802
England
This sheet of studies was removed from a sketchbook and shows the influence of ancient Roman sculptural reliefs. The two multi-figured scenes depict some form of ritual or sacrifice, the nature of which has not been convincingly identified. The large female figure on the left is a motif George Romney used numerous times in his society portraits, in which his subject is posed outdoors leaning on a plinth in classical dress.
The vibrancy, immediacy, and rapid-fire execution of the drawing suggest that it was made after Romney’s two-year stay in Italy (1773–75).
Pen and brown ink, with brush and brown wash, over graphite (recto), and graphite (verso), on cream laid paper