Figure studies

These finely detailed studies are among the earliest British drawings in The Courtauld’s collection. Their small scale and delicacy of execution reflect Isaac Oliver’s training as a miniature painter. Although trained in England, the French-born Oliver brought a new Continental influence to British art. His subject matter and style, especially the distinctive use of pen and ink, were strongly informed by the Italian Renaissance artist Parmigianino, whose prints and drawings he admired. Two of the drawings are by his son, the miniaturist Peter Oliver, whose style was very similar to his father’s.