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

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Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'Hercules Wrestling with Death for the Body of Alcestis': Alcestis
Date: c.1870
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 27.9 x 20.6 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0515
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "C13" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, lower right "515" encircled, in pencil.

Description

Upper half of sheet: full-length 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 surface the figure lies on and pillows under the head are also indicated. Lower half of sheet: full-length nude study for the same figure. A pillow under 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; 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) 

Exhibition history

• Inscribed on reverse, upper left "C13" in blue biro, scribbled out in pencil