Who painted Study for "The Deluge"?

Study for "The Deluge" was painted by George Romney.

Where can I see Study for "The Deluge"?

Study for "The Deluge" is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Study for "The Deluge"?

Study for "The Deluge" is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Study for "The Deluge"

George Romney

Study for "The Deluge" is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist George Romney. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

George Romney’s graphite drawing, dated around 1794, serves as a preparatory study for his larger composition titled “The Deluge.” Executed on wove paper, the work exemplifies the artist’s use of monochrome sketching to explore composition and figure placement before committing to a finished painting.

Technique & Style

The piece is rendered entirely in graphite, allowing Romney to model light and shadow through varied line work and shading. The choice of wove paper provides a smooth surface that supports fine detail, while the monochrome palette emphasizes structural elements over color, characteristic of preparatory studies in the late eighteenth century.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1794, the drawing reflects Romney’s process during a period when he was engaged in large‑scale historical subjects. While the study’s subsequent ownership record is limited, it remains linked to the artist’s broader oeuvre of narrative compositions exploring biblical and mythological themes.