We are grateful to Alex Kidson and Guy Peppiatt for their help on the attribution.

This dynamic study captures a child in an animated upward-gazing pose, rendered with remarkable spontaneity and expressiveness. The figure is positioned in the upper portion of the sheet, with the child's body twisted in a dramatic turn as he looks skyward.

Romney's characteristic loose handling is evident in the fluid application of sepia wash over light pencil underdrawing.

The artist has masterfully preserved areas of light through selective wash application, while bold, quick strokes define the form and movement of the figure. Gestural pencil marks visible in the lower portion of the sheet suggest Romney's initial working process.

Romney was a prolific draftsman who produced thousands of drawings throughout his career. His drawing style evolved significantly after his return from Italy in 1775, becoming increasingly free and experimental. He typically worked with a combination of graphite for initial sketching followed by brush and wash, allowing him to capture both precise forms and atmospheric effects. Unlike many of his contemporaries who saw drawing primarily as preparation for paintings, Romney often used these studies to explore poses, emotional expressions, and dramatic effects that interested him. He also used drawing as an act of reflection and appeasement to realize and refine his ideas and inspirations.

The upward-gazing pose of the child suggests this may be a study for one of Romney's more ambitious narrative works, possibly relating to his Shakespeare subjects or other literary themes that occupied him during this period. The drawing's spontaneity and emotional directness are hallmarks of Romney's best graphic work.