Study for 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to War': Male Figures

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to War': Male Figures
Date: c.1879
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 22.8 x 30.6 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0550
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower centre "Arts of War S Kensington" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "N4" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, lower centre "/8" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, lower right "3/9" in pencil.

Interpretation

Most of the studies for this fresco are on a blue paper, whereas this is on a warm brown coloured paper. This indicates that these are some of the last studies made for the project, and they were probably made in 1877 after the cartoon of the composition had been completed and just before work on the actual fresco began.

Description

Left of sheet: half-length nude study for the lower half of the male figure kneeling before a pile of swords, with back to viewer, to the lower right of the fresco 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to War' (1878-80, Victoria and Albert Museum). Right of sheet: half-length nude study for the lower half of the male figure pointing to his right ankle, to the left of the fresco. 

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 194)