This is a rapidly-drawn but closely-observed preparatory sketch for Blind-Man’s-Buff, which can be seen in the first room. It is typical of Wilkie’s early style as a draughtsman, where he often drew sketches on pieces of paper that were to hand. The essential elements of the composition are all in place; only the players trailing the blindfolded figure were omitted from the finished painting. Purchased by HM The Queen, 2003