Study for 'Elijah in the Wilderness': Elijah

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Elijah in the Wilderness': Elijah
Date: c.1877
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 21.0 x 28.1 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0587
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed lower right "Elijah" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, lower centre "ú1.10 0" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "E.100" encircled, in pencil.

Interpretation

These are early studies for the figure of Elijah. Leighton is trying different poses for the figure. These were done from a model in his studio.

Description

Left of sheet: full-length study for the figure of Elijah for the painting 'Elijah in the Wilderness' (c.1878, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool) The pose is very different to that used in the finished work as the figure sits more upright, the left arm is straightened and rests on a rock at shoulder height. The right arm falls down, against his right side, and the right foot tucks behind the left ankle. Right of sheet: full-length study for Elijah, for the same painting. This is similar to the previous pose although the head rests on the left arm, the right hand is tucked beneath the head and the ankles are not crossed. Far right of sheet: light, rough study for the figures of Elijah and the Angel, for the same painting. Lower centre of sheet: rough, full-length study of Elijah, similar to previous pose but with head raised and facing to the left.. 

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.70 catalogue number 4.3 (illustrated)
• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.164 (listed under catalogue number 251) 

Exhibition history

• 08 November 2006 to 25 February 2007, 'A Victorian Master: Drawings by Frederic, Lord Leighton', Leighton House Museum, London, catalogue number 4.3