Artwork

Design for decorative lunette: 'Model Drawing'

Design for decorative lunette: 'Model Drawing', by Godfrey Sykes, 1863
Design for decorative lunette: 'Model Drawing', by Godfrey Sykes, 1863

Design for decorative lunette: 'Model Drawing' is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Godfrey Sykes. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

If you're interested in learning more about this style, you might want to check out the Impressionism movement.

This painting shows a decorative lunette, which is a half-moon shaped space above a door or window. It features a blue sky with white clouds and a golden border with leaves and flowers. In the center, there's a sign that says "Model Drawing" in gold letters.

The lunette has two women sitting on either side of the sign. They're both wearing long dresses and holding objects in their hands. One woman is holding a pencil and paper, while the other is holding a model of a building. The background of the lunette is a light blue color with white clouds.

The painting is a beautiful example of decorative art from the 19th century. If you're interested in learning more about this style, you might want to check out the Impressionism movement.

Overview

This watercolour design by Godfrey Sykes depicts a decorative lunette intended for the National Competition Gallery, featuring a central inscription reading "STAGE III MODEL DRAWING." Four figures are arranged within the composition: two artists sketching in the corners and two cherubic figures flanking them. The work served as a preparatory sketch for the 1863 painting, part of a larger decorative scheme in rooms 100 and 101. The lunettes were later removed before World War II and stored.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Godfrey Sykes

Artist

Godfrey Sykes

Godfrey Sykes was an English designer, metalworker, sculptor and painter.