'Studies for 'Dante in Exile': Composition, Female Figures, Child, Foot of Child

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Drawing details

Title: 'Studies for 'Dante in Exile': Composition, Female Figures, Child, Foot of Child
Date: c.1863
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 28.0 x 43.9 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0477
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower left corner "74" in pencil. Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed lower centre "Dante in Exile" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, lower centre "C96" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, lower centre "ú2.2 0

Description

Left of sheet: study for the female figure in green to the left of the painting 'Dante in Exile' (c.1864, private collection). The figure is shown in a similar dress, although the folds of the drapery are not the same as the painting. Centre of sheet: study for the female figure in black to the left of the painting. Right of sheet: study for the child in the centre foreground of the painting. The branch carried by the child is also indicated, although the wreath of flowers around the head are not. The left leg is also at less of an angle than in the finished work. Far right of sheet: study for the left foot of the child in the centre foreground of the painting. The position of the foot is similar to the finished painting, but is lifted higher and at more of an angle. Lower right of sheet: small, rough study for the composition of the painting. The composition is similar to the finished work, although some of the figures in the background are not indicated. 

Provenance

Bequeathed by the artist to his sisters, Mrs. Augusta Matthews (n+e Augusta Neunburg Leighton, 1835-1919) and Mrs. Alexandra Orr (n+e Alexandra Leighton, 1828-1903); purchased by the Fine Art Society in 1896; collection of Leighton House Museum 

Bibliography

• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.155 (listed under catalogue number 100)