Nude studies of male figures for the external frieze on the Royal Albert Hall, by 1871

Henry Hugh Armstead RA (1828 - 1905)

RA Collection: Art

These nude studies relate to Armstead's designs for the Royal Albert Hall frieze. The mosaic and terracotta frieze on the exterior of the building depicts the 'Triumph of Art and Science' and is divided into compartments designed by Armstead, Armitage, Horsley, Marks, Pickersgill, Poynter, and Yeames. The frieze was manufactured by Minton, Hollins and Co. The portion designed by Armstead depicts 'Applied Mechanics' and represents 'the Lever, the Wedge, and the Screw, with figures of Archimedes and Watt'. It is possible that the two figures at the top of this sheet are connected with Armstead's depiction of 'the Lever'.

The small drawing on the bottom right showing a male figure being attacked by an eagle almost certainly represents the Titan Prometheus. There is also a larger drawing of this scene on the verso. These sketches are possibly connected with Armstead's design for a silver centrepiece for the Royal Academy which also represents Prometheus.