Study for 'Hannah, Countess of Rosebery': Composition

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Hannah, Countess of Rosebery': Composition
Date: c.1880
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 21.0 x 14.0 cm
Location: Yale Centre for British Art, New Haven
Picture credit: Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Fund
Reference number: B1977.14.5996

Description

Study for the composition of the painting 'Hannah, Countess of Rosebery'. Unlike the painting, the figure's head is tilted further back, the clasped hands are held higher, and the dress is plain with a high neckline. In contrast the final painting shows a more relaxed pose and an elaborate dress of silk or satin with a scooped neckline, buttons, lace and a bow. In the background an architectural interior is lightly sketched, whereas the background used in the painting is a coastal landscape with a low horizon line. 

Provenance

Presented by the artist to Mrs. Ambrose Smith; by descent to the daughter of Mrs. Ambrose Smith; sold by the daughter of Mrs. Ambrose Smith in 1943 to Thomas Esmond Lowinsky (painter, 1892-1947); by descent to Justin Lowinsky until February 1963; collection of Yale Centre for British Art, New Haven 

Bibliography

• James, Philip (foreword), Loshak, David (Life of Watts), "George Frederic Watts 1817-1904", The Arts Council of Great Britain, London, 1954, catalogue number: 52 

Exhibition history

• 09 December 1954 to 16 January 1955, "George Frederic Watts 1817-1904", Tate Gallery (now Tate Britain), London, catalogue number: 52