Four Oval Compositions c. 1775

Sawrey Gilpin made this ink and wash study, "Four Oval Compositions," sometime in the late eighteenth century. It gives us a glimpse into the academic art world of Georgian England. Gilpin was known for his animal paintings, but here, he explores the human figure in idealized scenes, likely based on classical literature or mythology which were the bedrock of artistic training. These ovals may have been preliminary sketches for larger history paintings, a genre prized by the Royal Academy. The sketches would allow the artist to test out his ideas, like poses and compositions. The prevalence of classical subjects in British art academies reflected the desire to align British culture with the perceived grandeur of ancient Greece and Rome. By studying these forms and themes, British artists sought to elevate their own work and contribute to a sense of national prestige. Understanding the role of institutions like the Royal Academy, along with period texts and artistic treatises, illuminates the social conditions that shaped Gilpin's artistic production.