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Study for an oval painting

James Thornhill

1750

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

18th Century Allegory

Dominant colour

Study for an oval painting is a 1750 by James Thornhill, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: James Thornhill
When & what style?: 1750
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

James Thornhill made this drawing to plan an oval painting. It shows the moment Boreas seizes Orythia. Thornhill used pen, ink, and a little wash to set the light and dark. The sketch is small but packed with movement. You can almost feel the wind and struggle in the quick lines. Check out Thornhill’s finished oval painting at the Victoria and Albert Museum.