Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a drawing by Forbes-Robertson. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This pencil drawing is one of seventeen preparatory studies by Eric Forbes-Robertson for illustrations in the children's book *Revolution* by Frances Forbes-Robertson. The work depicts a scene of a boy feeding a goat.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing shows a boy in antiquated attire holding a bowl to feed a goat positioned on a raised platform. The interaction between the boy and the goat, with the goat's head turned towards the boy, suggests a moment of gentle interaction.
Technique & Style
Executed in loose, quick pencil strokes, the drawing has an unfinished quality, with visible smudges. The sketchy approach and light touches characterize it as a preliminary work, indicative of the artist's exploratory process.
History & Provenance
Created as part of a series of seventeen preparatory sketches for *Revolution*, this drawing is attributed to Eric Forbes-Robertson in support of his collaborative work with Frances Forbes-Robertson on the book's illustrations.
Context
The drawing's style and purpose situate it within the context of preparatory art for children's literature of its time, reflecting the collaborative process between authors and illustrators in producing illustrated books.
Legacy
As a preparatory sketch, its legacy is tied to the final illustrations in *Revolution* and the broader body of work by Eric and Frances Forbes-Robertson in children's book illustration.
Artist & collection
Artist
Forbes-Robertson fills sketchbooks with late-Victorian and early-Edwardian life, mostly in black ink on paper.
A boatwoman and child, two pigs, and a figure in outline
A cow and calf, a Tanka boat, and a Macanese woman and servant
Kneeling in an Armchair
Margot Leaning against Reine's Knee
Cows and goats
Two figure studies, and a calf
Drawings of a cow and a standing figure
Anne
A cow and a tethered calf
Untitled
Untitled