Diana the huntress; and A figure entering a temple

The present drawings would appear to date from circa 1800 and are particularly fine examples of Cosway's work as a portraitist. Both sitters have been depicted in the guise of Roman goddesses, Diana the virgin huntress with her dogs; and possibly Venus, with Cupid peering from behind a column, and with a basket of doves on her head, a traditional attribute of the goddess. Evidently the sitter elected not to be depicted naked or semi-naked as Venus usually was. Both drawings are remarkable for their animated movement. The pose of Diana may relate to the oil painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds, P.R.A. of Miss Emily Pott as Thais (Waddesdon Manor).