Mounted on paper, though torn on one corner making the verso partially visible where there is a further sketch - I've made no attempt to remove. Despite the tear, all present, and this corner shows a discarded hammer lying in the road.
There is an embossed crest to the top right corner, I've tried to enhance it with little success, it appears to be an oval with an armorial motto in three parts beneath. To me it looks more military than art studio.
The "artist" and his assistant appear to be painting a front door, having consumed a bottle of wine, which sits by their feet.
As to the subject, the hat looks remarkably like one worn by the French Napoleonic artist Nicholas Toussaint Charlet, so I wondered if it was a satirical piece aimed at him. The "artist" is certainly taller than his assistant.
I'm reading the signature as Leighton / Laighton, and I think the date reads 1854, but for accuracy I'd say 1850s.
Please see photos provided as best description, zoom is enabled
for best viewing. Always happy to provide additional if requested.
If cropped, as shown and by another hand, I personally don't do so and offer items as they are.
I
post all paper items protected and in proper card backed envelopes. I
will never add new folds, so if an item I've listed won't fit in a small/large letter it
will be sent as a small parcel.
I will combine postage when I can, please request an invoice from me if UK buyer.
If
non-UK, I only ship internationally using GSP. If you are buying more than one item they will provide you
with a combined postage invoice, but can't do so after a payment has
already been made. Please await their invoice if you want combined
shipping and are buying from outside the UK.