October was painted by Edward John, Sir Poynter in 1868.

Where can I see October?

October is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is October?

October is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

October

Edward John, Sir Poynter , 1868

October is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Edward John, Sir Poynter. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This drawing on brown paper presents multiple studies of female figures, executed in varying degrees of finish.

About this work

Overview

This drawing on brown paper presents multiple studies of female figures, executed in varying degrees of finish. The composition divides roughly into two zones: a detailed nude on the right and rapid sketches of draped figures on the left. The work functioned as a preparatory study, capturing initial ideas for a larger decorative project rather than serving as a completed artwork.

Subject & Meaning

The figures relate to a seasonal allegory for October, part of a twelve-part cycle representing the months of the year. The nude may embody autumnal abundance or labor, while the draped studies explore costume and gesture for the final painted tiles. The juxtaposition of clothed and unclothed forms reflects academic practice, where artists refined both anatomical accuracy and drapery effects.

Technique & Style

This variation suggests rapid execution, with the nude receiving more attention than the subsidiary draped figures.

The drawing employs loose, energetic lines that range from dark, assured strokes to faint, exploratory marks. This variation suggests rapid execution, with the nude receiving more attention than the subsidiary draped figures. The unfinished quality reveals the artist’s process, prioritizing immediate observation over polished refinement. Cross-hatching and layered lines build subtle shading in the more developed areas.

History & Provenance

Created in 1868, this sketch informed hand-painted tile panels installed in the South Kensington Museum’s refreshment rooms—either the Grill Room or the Dutch Kitchen—by 1870. Female students from the Kensington School of Art and Design executed the final panels, working in a dedicated class established for the project. The drawing’s role as a preparatory tool underscores its practical function within a collaborative decorative scheme.

Context

The work emerged from a period when public institutions commissioned large-scale decorative cycles to embellish architectural spaces. Such projects provided training opportunities for art students, particularly women, who were often excluded from formal life-drawing classes. The Months of the Year series reflects both Victorian interest in allegorical representation and the integration of art education with institutional patronage.

Artist & collection

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.