William Lock the Younger Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth

An original c.1780 pen & ink drawing, William Lock the Younger, Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth.

A beautifully fluid early study by William Lock the Younger of Norbury (1767–1847).

William Lock was a talented draughtsman working in the circle of Henry Fuseli in Rome towards the end of the 18th century, known for his drawings of historical, mythological, biblical and Shakespearean subjects. Sir Horace Walpole was a great admirer of his work and Fuseli described the young Lock's drawings as 'unrivaled by any man of this day … for invention, taste and spirit.'

This drawing is one of a collection of Lock's drawings that we have for sale, the cover of which beared the signature of Lock (see photo).

Although this drawing is undated, others in the group are dated 1780. This dates the works to early in Lock's adolescence and shows his precocious talent and the early influence of Henry Fuseli.

In brown ink and grey wash on cream laid paper with Pro Patria watermark.

The sheet is laid down on a backing sheet in a rough textured buff-coloured paper, which was the corresponding backing page from a folio.

Provenance: Covent Garden Gallery. Christie's 2016.