Studies for 'Antique Juggling Girl' and 'Clytemnestra': Compositions

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Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'Antique Juggling Girl' and 'Clytemnestra': Compositions
Date: c.1872
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 18.6 x 24.6 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0563
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower centre "Clytemestra" in pencil. Inscribed lower right "Project" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "J48" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, lower centre "l/l/" in pencil.

Description

Left of sheet: study for the composition of the painting 'Antique Juggling Girl' (c.1873, private collection). The composition is similar to the finished work, although the objects by the figure's feet are not indicated and there appear to be posts either side of the composition which are crossed-out at the base. Upper centre of sheet: rough study for a composition including a seated female figure. Lower centre of sheet: study for the composition of the painting 'Clytemnestra' (c.1874, Leighton House Museum). The composition is similar, although the figure is slimmer and the architecture seen in the finished painting is not indicated. Upper right of sheet: rough study for the composition of the same painting. Centre right of sheet: rough study for a composition including a standing female figure, probably for the painting 'Clytemnestra'. Lower right of sheet: rough study for a composition. 

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.161 (listed under catalogue number 210), p.162 (listed under catalogue number 227)