Artwork

Full-scale monochrome cartoon for 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to Peace'

Full-scale monochrome cartoon for 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to Peace' is an oil painting by the Aestheticist artist Frederic, Lord Leighton. It dates from 1883 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This large-scale oil painting is a monochrome cartoon, a preparatory work for a fresco titled 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to Peace'.

About this work

Overview

This large-scale oil painting is a monochrome cartoon, a preparatory work for a fresco titled 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to Peace'. It showcases various industrial activities and was created for the South Kensington Museum, now the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The cartoon depicts scenes of industry and manufacturing, reflecting the museum's mission to promote the 'industrial arts' by showcasing exemplary designed and manufactured objects.

Technique & Style

The painting is a detailed monochrome drawing that demonstrates Leighton's process for designing a fresco. It was used to establish areas of light and shade before transferring the design to a larger canvas and ultimately to the wall.

History & Provenance

Commissioned by the South Kensington Museum, the cartoon was part of a larger project involving two frescos by Frederic Leighton for the South Court, a prominent gallery within the museum. The original cartoon for the companion piece, 'War', remains visible in places beneath the painting.