Painted sketch of a seated figure in red feeding birds on marble steps, with standing robed figures and classical columns in the background.

Study for The Favorites of the Emperor Honorius

A loose painted study of a seated figure in a red robe on a patterned carpet, feeding grey and brown birds scattered across marble steps. Classical columns, a yellow tray, and standing figures in tunics frame the warm sketch, which the record links to Waterhouse's 1883 study for The Favorites of the Emperor Honorius.

Artist: John William Waterhouse
Date: 1883
Medium
Source: Wikimedia Commons / Wikidata
Size: 1466 × 800 px

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Public domain · John William Waterhouse died 1917 and the work dates by 1883; public domain in the US and life+70 countries.
Rights checked 2026-11-05 · tier B · as stated by the source: Public domain

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): John William Waterhouse, via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

19th century romanticism 1880s 1883 sketch study birds roman emperor red robe classical painting academic painting marble steps waterhouse