Head study of Virginia Pattle for 'Diana and Apollo'

The present drawing is a head study of Virginia Pattle (1826-1910), a favourite model and muse of George Frederick Watts, who he became enamoured with after their first meeting in 1849. The following year Watts exhibited a full-length portrait of her at the Royal Academy (now in the collection of Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire). However, upon seeing this work Charles Somers-Cocks, later Earl Somers, promptly fell in love with her and the couple were engaged less than two months later. Though devastated by their marriage, Watts maintained relationships with them both, and the Somers's became great patrons of his work. This drawing seems to relate to a fresco Watts painted for the Somers’ London home at 7 Carlton House Terrace in the 1850s. The theme for the fresco cycle was ‘The Elements’, and he drew the subjects from Greek Mythology. He used Virginia as the model for Diana, and her distinctive oval face and downcast eyes are evident in the present drawing. Diana is shown next to Apollo, who was modelled by Virginia’s nephew, Arthur Prinsep.
We are grateful to Dr Nicholas Tromans for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.