Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Lavinia Spencer, 1762
Untitled, by Lavinia Spencer, 1762

Untitled is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Lavinia Spencer. It dates from 1762 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The drawing presents an interior scene with two female figures and a small dog.

About this work

Overview

The drawing presents an interior scene with two female figures and a small dog. One woman sits on a stool while the other is positioned on the floor, cradling the animal. A vase filled with blossoms and a draped curtain appear in the background, suggesting a domestic setting.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on everyday life, emphasizing intimacy and quiet domesticity. The presence of the dog and the floral arrangement adds a gentle, nurturing atmosphere, while the relaxed postures of the women convey a moment of informal interaction.

Technique & Style

Rendered with rapid, expressive strokes, the work relies on cross‑hatching to model volume and texture. Overlapping lines generate deeper shadows on the garments and the vase, while looser, wavy marks suggest background elements such as wind or hair, giving the sketch a sense of movement.

History & Provenance

The piece is catalogued as an untitled drawing and is part of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it is displayed among other preparatory sketches by the same artist.

Artist & collection

Artist

Lavinia Spencer

Lavinia Spencer spent her life in a cluttered London house where guests found her sketching on napkins between endless cups of tea.