'Study for 'The Star of Bethlehem': Composition

• enlarge drawing

Drawing details

Title: 'Study for 'The Star of Bethlehem': Composition
Date: c.1861
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 23.4 x 13.7 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0464

Description

Study for the composition of the painting 'The Star of Bethlehem' (1862, untraced ). There are several differences to the finished work, particularly in the lower third of the composition. For example, the archway is smaller, the arrangement of figures beneath the arch is different, and only a part of the orange tree is visible, whereas virtually the whole tree is depicted in the finished work. 

Provenance

Presented to Leighton House Museum by Mrs. Edward Stapleton 

Bibliography

• Barrington, Mrs. Emilie Isabel, 'Catalogue: Lord Leighton's House and What it Contains', 1900, reprinted as part of 'A Collection of Essays on Lord Leighton and his Works with Illustrated Catalogue of the Contents of Leighton House', privately published, London, 1900-01, p.162 catalogue number 12a
• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.154 (listed under catalogue number 79)
• Staley, Edgcumbe, 'Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Walter Scott Publ 

Exhibition history

• 09 April 1900 to at least 1936, 'The Leighton House Collection' (intended to be a permanent display), Leighton House Museum, London, catalogue number 12a (exhibited in the dining room)
• 19 September 2005 to 09 December 2005, 'The Leighton Drawings Project: A Preview', Leighton House Museum, London