Study of a mother and child (recto); and A pencil study of the same composition, squared (verso)

The present drawing is related to a picture exhibited at the Society of Artists in 1771 and sold in these Rooms, 20 July 1990, lot 326 (see H. Ward & W. Roberts, Romney: Essay and Catalogue Raisonné, London and New York, 1904, II, p. 190, no. 29 and A. Kidson, George Romney, London, 2002, p. 85, fig. 31). The pencil drawing on the verso was traced through from the recto, the paper having been lightly varnished to make it transparent and lightly squared in pencil for transfer onto canvas in the same direction. The picture was executed in the 1770s, at the height of Romney's career when he was particularly interested in exploring the theme of mother and child, influenced by works by Raphael of the same subject.

We are grateful to Alex Kidson for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.