This is a sheet of hand studies for the painting 'Wycliffe reading his Translation of the Bible' (1848, oil on canvas, Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford). The left study is for John of Gaunt's left hand and arm, which, in the painting, are held in an awkward position on his hip. The middle study is for his right hand which rests, almost in a fist, on his right thigh. The right study is for Gower's hands which are clasped together with forefingers pointing downwards. This sheet is a good example of Brown's economic use of paper, making all three drawings fit onto one sheet but the paper must be turned to find the correct position of the hands as they appear in the painting.
LM