Study for Festival c. 1875

Edward John Poynter made this preparatory drawing, "Study for Festival," with graphite on paper; it is now at the Art Institute of Chicago. The composition is fragmented, showing different figures or studies of draped figures scattered across the page. Poynter is known for his academic style that often looks back to classical antiquity. Here, the lines are delicate and precise, focusing on the fall and fold of drapery. The study offers a glimpse into the artist's process, revealing how he methodically approached the challenge of representing the human form clothed in fabric. The strategic placement of each figure on the page creates a visual rhythm, inviting the eye to move from one study to the next. This allows for an appreciation of the artist’s skill in capturing the nuances of light and shadow. It showcases a commitment to classical ideals and the underlying structure of form.