Artwork
Study for an oval painting
Study for an oval painting is a drawing by James Thornhill. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This drawing serves as a preparatory study for a planned oval painting, capturing a dynamic scene from classical mythology.
About this work
Overview
This drawing serves as a preparatory study for a planned oval painting, capturing a dynamic scene from classical mythology.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts the mythological scene of Boreas abducting Orythia, conveying intense movement and struggle through expressive lines.
Technique & Style
Thornhill executed the drawing with pen and ink, augmenting darker areas with wash to achieve a sense of depth and luminosity.
History & Provenance
Created as a study for a subsequent oval painting, the drawing's precise date and early ownership history are not specified here.
Context
The finished oval painting based on this study is housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum, providing a direct link to the drawing's purpose.
Legacy
As a preparatory work, its significance lies in illustrating Thornhill's creative process for the final, executed oval painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir James Thornhill was an English painter of historical subjects working in the Italian baroque tradition.
William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital)
Aeneas before Dido, and Venus Supplicating Jupiter (sketch for a wall and ceiling decoration)
Allegorical Figures: Clemency, Prudence and Justice with Pallas, Heroic Poetry, Liberty, Discretion, History and Mercury (from the Royal State Coach for George I)
Allegorical Figures: Britannia Enthroned, Surrounded by Concord, Learning and Religion Overcoming Vice (from the Royal State Coach for George I)
The Birth of Venus, and the Gods of Olympus (sketch for a wall and ceiling decoration)
Sketch for a Ceiling Design
Allegorical design with figures: Clemency, Prudence and Justice with Pallas, Heroic Poetry, Liberty, Discretion, History and Mercury (preliminary design for a panel from Royal State Coach for George I)
Study for King Josiah Rending his Garments
Virgin of the Immaculate Conception
Anniversary of the Plague at Palermo
The Apotheosis of San Vitale
The Stigmatization of Saint Francis
Susanna and the Elders
The Angel Appearing to Hagar and Ishmael
Saint Mary Magdalene Lifted by Angels
The Madonna and Child in Glory Adored by Saints
The Resurrection
The Apotheosis of San Vitale![The Ecstasy of Saint Francis [recto], by Sebastiano Ricci](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/sebastiano-ricci--the-ecstasy-of-saint-francis-recto--5f53f9b59775e5dd-w320.webp)
The Ecstasy of Saint Francis [recto]
Study for a painting