'Study for 'A Noble Lady of Venice': Composition

• enlarge drawing

Drawing details

Title: 'Study for 'A Noble Lady of Venice': Composition
Date: 1865
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 25.4 x 19.2 cm
Location: The Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois
Picture credit: The Art Institute of Chicago
Reference number: 1922.1327
Inscriptions: Signed and dates, lower right "Fred Leighton / 1865 / Fre", in black chalk, in the artist's hand. Stamped, lower left, with the monogram of Walter F. E. Gurley "WFEG", in black ink. Stamped on the reverse, centre, with the monogram of Walter F.E. Gur

Interpretation

A border of ruled lines, in black chalk, have been drawn around the image. Along the lower edge, Leighton has decided to draw a second, higher border, to crop the lower part of the composition. As the beginning of his signature can be seen below this line, and his full signature is above it, it seems he made this decision as he began sign his name.

Description

Study for the composition of the painting 'A Noble Lady of Venice' (c.1865, Leighton House Museum). The composition is very similar to the finished work, although the woman holds the flowers lower, and therefore further from her face. 

Provenance

Purchased by Puttick and Simpson, London (auctioneers, fl.1846-1915), on 12 February 1915; collection of Leonora Hall Gurley; by descent to her son, Walter F. E. Gurley; presented to The Art Institute of Chicago by Walter Gurley, in 1922