Studies for the Diploma of the International Exhibition, 1868

1868

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

Studies for the Diploma of the International Exhibition, 1868 is a 1868 by Edward John, Sir Poynter, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Edward John, Sir Poynter
When & what style?: 1868 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows a blank framed space with two muscular men kneeling on either side, each holding up a heavy column. Above them, a chariot pulled by two horses races across the top, with a person driving it. The drawing is all in black lines, with lots of shading to show depth. The empty center frame suggests this was a design for something bigger—maybe a painting or a building decoration. The artist used lots of tiny lines to build up shadows and textures. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more sketches like this.

The story of this work

Overview

The artwork consists of preparatory studies created for the Diploma of the International Exhibition in 1868 by Sir Edward John Poynter. These works served as preliminary designs for the official diploma presentation piece.

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