Four Oval Compositions c. 1775

“Four Oval Compositions” is a pen and ink drawing by Sawrey Gilpin, an English painter and draughtsman active in the latter half of the 18th century. The four oval compositions showcase a variety of poses and gestures of figures in a loose, sketchy style. Each oval contains a group of figures interacting with each other, perhaps representing a narrative or scene from history. Gilpin’s drawings are characterized by their fluidity and spontaneity, capturing the essence of movement and expression, making this a great example of his skill in capturing the human figure.