Studies for 'Wedded': Male and Female Figures

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Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'Wedded': Male and Female Figures
Date: c.1881
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 23.5 x 31.4 cm
Location: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
Picture credit: Photograph: Jenny Carter for AGNSW
Reference number: 42.1975

Interpretation

It has been suggested that the study for two figures seated together, with their backs to the viewer, are related to the painting 'Whispers' (c.1881, untraced), although the pose is very different from that of the finished painting. The drawing was reproduced in 'The Studio' in 1896, illustrating an article on the forthcoming exhibition of Leighton's studies, to be held by the Fine Art Society in the Autumn of that year. ['The Studio: An Illustrated Magazine of Fine and Applied Art', volume IX, p.113]

Description

Left of sheet: full-length study for the male and female figures in the painting 'Wedded' (c.1881-82, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney). Although in classical dress, the garments are different from those seen in the finished work. Upper right of sheet: half length study of two seated female figures, with backs to the viewer. The figure on the right has left arm around the back of the other figure. The figure to the left leans against the other and rests her weight on the right hand, which is behind her. Both figures are in classical dress, tied at the waist, and have their hair tied back. Lower centre of sheet: study for the right hands of the two figures in 'Wedded'. Upper right of sheet: full-length study of a standing female figure, facing the viewer. The right hand touches the collarbone and the left hand rests beside her. Lower right of sheet: study for the left hands of the two figures in 'Wedded'. 

Provenance

Bequeathed by the artist to his sisters, Mrs. Augusta Matthews (nTe Augusta Neunburg Leighton, 1835-1919) and Mrs. Alexandra Orr (nTe Alexandra Leighton, 1828-1903); purchased by the Fine Art Society; purchased through Sotheby's, London, by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney on 25 March 1975 

Bibliography

• Cockerell, Samuel Pepys (Foreward), 'Drawings and Studies by the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Fine Art Society, 1898, plate XX
• Free, Renee and Laverty, Peter, 'Victorian Olympians', Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 1975, p.34, illustrated p.69, catalogue number D6
• Free, Renee and Peel, Rosemary, 'Dreams and Realities: Victorian Works on Paper', Art Gallery of New South Wales, 1993, p.9
• Maloon, Terence and Raissis, Peter, 'Michelangelo to Matisse: Drawing the Figure', Art  

Exhibition history

• 20 June 1975 to 20 July 1975, 'Victorian Olympians', Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, catalogue number D6
• 12 August 1975 to 14 September 1975, 'Victorian Olympians', National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, catalogue number D6
• 26 September 1975 to 26 October 1975, 'Victorian Olympians', Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, catalogue number D6
• 07 August 1993 to 24 October 1993, 'Dreams and Realities: Victorian Works on Paper', Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
• 14 November 1997