Study for The Grey Parrot, c.1852. Pen and black and brown ink on buff paper, 5 ¼ x 3 ⅛ inches (13.2 x 7.9 cm). Collection of National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Felton Bequest, accession no. P18-1972. Click on image to enlarge it.
Deverell’s painting The Grey Parrot and this study both feature Eustatia Elizabeth Davy [Davie] as the model. This drawing shows that Deverell’s initial idea was to show the parrot chained but it was not shown restrained in the final painting suggesting a more intimate relationship between the owner and the bird. Although the parrot’s chain was removed in the final painting, both being portrayed with closed eyes unifies the woman and bird. The woman’s dress has been modified significantly in the final composition and the broach at her neckline replaced by a bow. The background has obviously been elaborated on in the painting as compared to the sketch. In this drawing Deverell has already abandoned the quirky idiosyncratic drawing style of early Pre-Raphaelite drawings used in his sketches for Twelfth Night and James II Robbed by Fishermen, but this likely relates to the subject matter portrayed.
Last modified 9 March 2022