Original cartoon for the decoration of panels in the Grill Room of the Victoria and Albert Museum; "January."

1886

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

Original cartoon for the decoration of panels in the Grill Room of the Victoria and Albert Museum; "January." is a 1886 by Edward John, Sir Poynter, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Edward John, Sir Poynter
When & what style?: 1886
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This drawing shows a large figure standing in a room with arched doorways and a window. The person’s face is blurred, and they’re holding a long, flowing robe. Behind them, a tree-lined landscape stretches up to a distant building. The paper is torn in places, and the lines are faint but detailed. The artist used light pencil strokes to create depth, especially in the folds of the robe. The room’s architecture looks like it’s from an older time, with simple shapes and clean lines. If you like this style, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines.

The story of this work

Overview

A pencil and chalk drawing by Edward John Poynter, this original cartoon depicts a cloaked woman approaching a doorway, created in 1886 as part of a design for tile panels in the Victoria and Albert Museum's Grill Room.

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

Artist

Edward John, Sir Poynter

Sir Edward John Poynter, 1st Baronet (20 March 1836 – 26 July 1919) was an English painter, designer, and draughtsman, who served as President of the Royal Academy.

See the richer artist page