'Drawing for 'The Return of Ulysses'', William Roberts

Artwork details

Artist

William Roberts (1895‑1980)

Title

Drawing for 'The Return of Ulysses'

Date 1913

MediumInk and chalk on paper

Dimensionssupport: 305 x 460 mm

Collection

Tate

Acquisition Purchased 1972

Reference

T01561

Not on display

Display caption

When at the Slade School of Art between 1910 and 1913 Roberts was particulary interested in the work of fellow-pupil David Bomberg, who also made a drawing of 'The Return of Ulysses'. This is one of two known studies, both in the Tate Gallery, made by Roberts for his painting of the same title. This drawing pays more attention to naturalistic details than the other two works. However, even here, the artist seems to structure the composition with a series of diagonal lines which begin to override the narrative content of the work. Note, for example, how the limbs of the figures are simplified into a series of unrealistic, robotic shapes.

September 2004