Studies for 'Clytemnestra': Female Figure

• enlarge drawing

Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'Clytemnestra': Female Figure
Date: c.1873
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 22.5 x 31.3 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0568
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "M11" encircled, in pencil.

Description

Left of sheet: full-length study for the female figure in the painting 'Clytemnestra' (c.1874, Leighton House Museum). Centre of sheet: full-length study for the same figure. The drapery is different to the finished work. Right of sheet: full-length nude study for the same figure. The last two studies show a more relaxed pose to the finished painting. The weight rests on the right leg, the arms are slightly bent, and the right hand holds the left wrist and is less clenched. 

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.162 (listed under catalogue number 227)