Art Funded by you

Open Landscape with Cottage, Figure and Animals

Thomas Gainsborough, c. 1786

This drawing is a study for one of the 10 surviving glass transparencies painted by Gainsborough for display in his exhibition box. The box and the transparencies were bequeathed to the V&A through the Art Fund by Ernest E. Cook in 1955. The composition of this study is simpler than the finished work. The drawing was rapidly and boldly executed, but does not have the character of a sketch. It is the only drawing identifiable as a study for one of the exhibition box transparencies. This work significantly augments the understanding of how Gainsborough conceived the compositions of the transparencies associated with his highly innovative exhibition box.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Open Landscape with Cottage, Figure and Animals, c. 1786

Date supported

2010

Medium and material

Pen, ink & wash on paper

Dimensions

23 x 32.2 cm

Grant

10000

Total cost

30000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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