Study for 'The Wise and Foolish Virgins': Female Head and Hands

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'The Wise and Foolish Virgins': Female Head and Hands
Date: c.1863
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 43.5 x 29.2 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0491
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower left "L11" in pencil. Inscribed lower right "L/4-" in pencil. Inscribed lower right "[two illegible words]" in pencil, partially erased. Inscribed on reverse, centre "N90" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "2/22/" in

Description

Study for the head and hands of the foolish virgin, with her hands held to her face, to the far right of the fresco 'The Wise and Foolish Virgins' (1862-64, St Michael's, Lyndhurst). Part of the drapery which falls from the head is also 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 (Fine Art Society reference number N90); purchased from the Fine Art Society through the Leighton Fund, with one other drawing by Mrs. Meredith and Miss. Reynolds for ú3:3:0 (for the two drawings); presented to Leighton House Museum by Miss Reynolds in c.1897 

Bibliography

• Anon., 'Catalogue of Drawings by the late Lord Leighton Preserved for the Nation', Leighton House Committee, 1897, catalogue number 38 "Studies of Heads"
• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.155 (listed under catalogue number 93)