Artwork

Study for the painting, "The Catapult", exhibited at the Royal Academy, 1868

Study for the painting, "The Catapult", exhibited at the Royal Academy, 1868 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 is a preparatory study by Sir Edward John Poynter for his later oil painting titled “The Catapult.

About this work

Overview

This drawing is a preparatory study by Sir Edward John Poynter for his later oil painting titled “The Catapult.” Executed around 1868, the work is held in the Victoria and Albert Museum and reflects the artist’s process in developing the larger composition that was shown at the Royal Academy that year.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch captures a solitary figure in a crouched stance, drawing back a long, bow‑like apparatus reminiscent of a medieval catapult. The musculature is emphasized, conveying the tension and physical effort required to launch the device, suggesting themes of human strength and the mechanics of warfare.

Technique & Style

Rendered with rapid, loose lines, the drawing exhibits a gestural quality typical of preparatory sketches. The artist employs a freehand approach, allowing the anatomy and motion to emerge through spontaneous strokes rather than detailed rendering, providing insight into Poynter’s compositional planning.

History & Provenance

Created as part of the preparatory work for the 1868 Royal Academy exhibition, the drawing entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection later in the 19th century. Its provenance traces back to Poynter’s studio, where it served as a reference for the final painted version.

Context

During the mid‑19th century, historical and genre subjects were popular at the Royal Academy. Poynter, a prominent academic painter who would later preside over the Academy, often produced detailed studies to ensure accuracy in his narrative scenes, aligning with the era’s emphasis on scholarly preparation.

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.