Study for The Festival 1871

Edward John Poynter’s *Study for The Festival* is a preparatory drawing for a larger painting, The Festival, which depicts a lively outdoor scene. The drawing focuses on anatomical studies, featuring three separate sketches of arms and hands. The study, executed in graphite on brown paper, exhibits Poynter’s masterful draftsmanship, showcasing his meticulous attention to detail and anatomical accuracy. Poynter’s mastery of the figure is evident in this drawing, which is considered a significant preparatory piece for his large-scale painting.