Study for 'Elisha Raising the Son of the Shunammite': Elisha, Boy

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Elisha Raising the Son of the Shunammite': Elisha, Boy
Date: c.1880
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 22.9 x 31.7 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0595
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed lower right "Prophet & widows son" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "E41", encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "182", encircled, in black biro.

Interpretation

This is an early study for the painting. Leighton later found an older, bearded model, more appropriate as the figure of Elisha.

Description

Full-length study for the male figure and boy in the painting 'Elisha Raising the Son of the Shunammite' (c.1881, Leighton House Museum). The pillows or drapery under the head and shoulders of the boy and the surface he lies on are also indicated. The model for the male figure is a young man, whereas in the finished painting an elderly male figure with a beard is depicted. 

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.166 (listed under catalogue number 284) 

Exhibition history

• 1969, 'Display of Drawings and Paintings in the Winter Studio and Perrin Gallery', Leighton House Museum, catalogue number 57
• 19 September 2005 to 09 December 2005, 'The Leighton Drawings Project: A Preview', Leighton House Museum, London