Compositional Study, for Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and the Lady Anne c. 1895 - 1896

Edwin Austin Abbey’s "Compositional Study, for Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and the Lady Anne" (c. 1895-96) is a dramatic study for a larger painting. This charcoal and oil sketch depicts a scene from Shakespeare's Richard III, where the Duke of Gloucester courts Lady Anne, the widow of his recently slain brother, amidst a crowd of onlookers. The use of dark, shadowy tones contributes to a somber atmosphere, highlighting the tension and intrigue surrounding the characters. Abbey’s work draws viewers into a moment of Shakespearean drama, captivating audiences with its theatrical composition and captivating historical subject matter.