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Lot Essay
These two studies are preparatory drawings for the figure of Edmund in Harlow's painting King John, Act IV, Scene 1 - Hubert and Arthur which was exhibited at the British Institution in 1815. Hubert is the servant of King John ordered to kill the King's nephew Arthur, who is his rival to the throne. In this scene, Hubert is told to 'put out his eyes' but Arthur begs for his life and Hubert relents. During his escape however, Arthur falls and dies.
Harlow was the best known and most talented of Sir Thomas Lawrence's pupils. He entered Lawrence's studio in 1802 and Joseph Farington noted in his diary that 'Lawrence has got a young pupil of 15 years of age, who draws, Lane says, better than he does. His name is Harlow.' Harlow's ambition and impetuosity meant however that he lasted less than eighteen months with Lawrence and they parted on bad terms. His portrait drawings show the influence of the master. He went on his own Grand Tour in June 1818 and died of a throat infection shortly after his return aged 32.
Harlow was the best known and most talented of Sir Thomas Lawrence's pupils. He entered Lawrence's studio in 1802 and Joseph Farington noted in his diary that 'Lawrence has got a young pupil of 15 years of age, who draws, Lane says, better than he does. His name is Harlow.' Harlow's ambition and impetuosity meant however that he lasted less than eighteen months with Lawrence and they parted on bad terms. His portrait drawings show the influence of the master. He went on his own Grand Tour in June 1818 and died of a throat infection shortly after his return aged 32.