Study for 'Nausicaa': Female Figure

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Nausicaa': Female Figure
Date: c.1877
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 21.8 x 29.2 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0581
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed lower centre "Project" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "J.11" encircled, in pencil.

Interpretation

This drawing demonstrates Leighton's thorough approach to his work. In addition to these quick studies of the model, both clothed and nude, Leighton would have made more detailed studies of the drapery.

Description

Left of sheet: full-length study for the female figure in the painting 'Nausicaa' (c.1878, private collection). Part of the architecture around the figure is also sketched in. Centre of sheet: full-length study for the same figure. Right of sheet: full-length nude study for the same 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

• Gere, Charlotte, et al., 'A Victorian Master: Drawings by Frederic, Lord Leighton', Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, 2006, p.77 catalogue number 4.9 (illustrated)
• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.164 (listed under catalogue number 248) 

Exhibition history

• 08 November 2006 to 25 February 2007, 'A Victorian Master: Drawings by Frederic, Lord Leighton', Leighton House Museum, London, catalogue number 4.9