| Object Number: | D_2021_0001 | |
| Date: | 1860s | |
| Category: | Drawings and Paper | |
| Material: | Paper | |
| Dimensions: | 135 x 111 mm (H xW) |
William De Morgan decided to become an artist in his late teens, abandoning his studies at the University College London to take drawing classes at Carys Academy in Bloomsbury from 1859. Here, he learnt the art of making faithful drawings from antique sculpture which would help him pass the Royal Academy Schools entrance test in 1859 where he was a student until 1863.
This drawing was probably made at this time, during De Morgans formative years as an artist. The intensity of the gaze and harsh shadow make for an arresting portrait which was typical of the oil portraits De Morgan is known to have made.
The drawing is exceptionally rare and demonstrates De Morgans skill as a draughtsman. The drawing was part of a group of drawings which came to auction for the first time in 1975 before the Foundation purchased the drawing with a generous donation in 2021.