Artwork

Study for a painting entitled 'The Doll's Hospital'

Study for a painting entitled 'The Doll's Hospital', by Elijah Albert Cox, 1920
Study for a painting entitled 'The Doll's Hospital', by Elijah Albert Cox, 1920

Study for a painting entitled 'The Doll's Hospital' is a drawing by Elijah Albert Cox. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Elijah Albert Cox created this 1920 chalk drawing as a preparatory study for his painting 'The Doll's Hospital'. The work captures a moment within an interior scene, setting the stage for the final artwork.

Subject & Meaning

The study depicts a suited man prominently holding a doll, with a woman in a dress and apron standing behind him. The focus on the man's hands and the doll suggests the central theme revolves around the doll and the man's interaction with it, while the woman's background presence adds contextual depth.

Technique & Style

Executed in chalk, the drawing demonstrates Cox's use of this medium for preliminary work, likely emphasizing composition, pose, and the interplay of figures within the space.

History & Provenance

This study is associated with 'The Doll's Hospital' by Cox, now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection. The drawing itself, however, is a distinct preparatory piece from 1920.

Context

Created in the early 20th century, the piece reflects the artistic practices of the time, where drawings served as crucial steps in the development of final paintings. The subject matter, with its everyday, potentially narrative elements, may align with contemporary interests in domestic or thematic painting.

Legacy

As a study, its primary legacy is in its relationship to 'The Doll's Hospital', offering insight into Cox's creative process. Beyond this, it contributes to the broader understanding of early 20th-century artistic methodologies.

Artist & collection

Artist

Elijah Albert Cox

Elijah Albert Cox (1876–1955), also known as E. A. Cox and E. Albert Cox, was a British painter. He was born in Islington, London, and educated at Bolt Court Technical School. Between 1915 and 1926, Cox designed posters…