This is a rapidly-drawn but closely-observed preparatory sketch for Blind-Man’s-Buff. It is typical of Wilkie’s early style as a draughtsman, when he often drew free sketches on small pieces of paper that were to hand. The essential elements of the composition are all in place; only the line of players trailing the blindfolded figure were omitted from the finished painting, giving a longer view into the deep space of the room. Purchased by HM The Queen in 2003