This is one of three sepia studies for the bronzed children at the base of the columns in 'The Troy Triptych', a complex architectural project that drew together various scenes relating to the Story of Troy. The unfinished oil on canvas is also in Birmingham's Collection.
This is one of four large wash drawings in Birmingham's Collection for the bronzed putti at the base of the pilasters in the 'Troy Triptych', begun in 1870 but which remained unfinished. Presented by Sir Philip Burne-Jones, Mrs J W Mackail and James Richardson Holliday, 1922 In a note to J R Holliday, T M Rooke stated "The six bronze babies at the foot of the pillars were added later to diminish the peril, suggested by Fairfax Murray, that the whole would be cut up for the sake of the separate subjects, as his experience of ancient work told him had often happened. " Quoted in the 1930 City of Birmingham Art Gallery catalogue.. This watercolour was a preliminary working which T M Rooke used to practice before attempting to transfer the figure on to the canvas. He used the original drawing by the Master. as a template to work from . It demonstrates how perfunctory the assistants' work could be compared to the quality of the Master.