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

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Hercules Wrestling with Death for the Body of Alcestis': Alcestis
Date: c.1870
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 17.8 x 27.8 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0514
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "CA" encircled, in pencil.

Description

Full-length nude study for the figure of Alcestis in the painting 'Hercules Wrestling with Death for the Body of Alcestis' (c.1869-71, Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford). The figure is lightly sketched with just a few lines and only the upper line of the legs is 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.160 (listed under catalogue number 193)