Study for 'Hercules Wrestling with Death for the Body of Alcestis': Hercules and Death, Hercules

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Hercules Wrestling with Death for the Body of Alcestis': Hercules and Death, Hercules
Date: c.1870
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 23.4 x 28.1 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0512
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower left "Alcestis" in pencil. Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, lower centre "ú1:1.0" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "5" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, lower right "2" in pencil

Description

Left of sheet: full-length nude study for the group of figures of Hercules and Death in the painting 'Hercules Wrestling with Death for the Body of Alcestis' (c.1869-71, Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford). The wings of Death are also indicated. The poses are lightly sketched but are similar to the finished painting. Right of sheet: half-length nude study for the lower half of the figure of Hercules. 

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

• Simon, Robin (editor), 'Lord Leighton 1830-1896 and Leighton House: A Centenary Celebration', Apollo Magazine, London, 1996, p.71
• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.160 (listed under catalogue number 193) 

Exhibition history

• Inscribed on reverse, centre "248" encircled, in blue biro, crossed out in blue biro