Studies for 'Eastern Slinger..': Male and Female Figures

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Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'Eastern Slinger..': Male and Female Figures
Date: c.1874
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 24.2 x 28.5 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0569
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "H82" encircled, in pencil.

Interpretation

The male figure to the left of the composition is shown loading the sling, before firing it at the birds. In the completed painting Leighton chose to depict the moment he swings the sling around his head instead. The female figure on this sheet are studies for a female slinger originally seen to the right, in the background of the finished work, but later painted out.

Description

Left of sheet: full-length nude study for the male figure in the painting 'Eastern Slinger' (c.1875, untraced). The pose differs from the finished painting as the figure is turned to the right, whereas in the painting his body is turned to the left. The right hand is held by the side of the face and the left hand at hip height. The sling is stretched between the hands. Centre of sheet: full-length, nude study for the female figure to the right of the painting. Right of sheet: full-length study for the same female figure. 

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.163 (listed under catalogue number 234)