Horses with Groom (recto); Sketches of Peasant with Basket (verso) c. 1789 - 1843

This pencil sketch by William Henry Pyne, titled "Horses with Groom (recto); Sketches of Peasant with Basket (verso)," depicts a group of horses with a groom, likely in a stable or outdoors. The drawing is executed in a delicate, light hand, leaving much to the viewer's imagination. The artist, who was known for his watercolors, used his sketching skills to capture the essence of the scene, focusing on the form and movement of the horses and the figure of the groom. The recto, or front side, of the sketch was later used for a composition with a peasant holding a basket, hinting at the artist's versatility and exploratory nature. The sketch is a valuable example of Pyne's working process and provides a glimpse into his artistic practice.