Study for 'Wedded': Male and Female Figures

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Wedded': Male and Female Figures
Date: c.1881
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 31.5 x 24.1 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0599
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed lower right "Studies Wedded & c" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, upper centre "55" encircled, in black biro, crossed out in blue biro. Inscribed on reverse, lower centre "F68" encircled, in

Interpretation

This sheet of small studies represents a number of ideas for future projects, drawn from the imagination. One of these ideas, the two figures seen to the upper centre of the sheet, would later be used for the painting 'Wedded' (c.1881-82, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney).

Description

Upper left of sheet: full-length nude study of a seated female figure turned to the right, with the head turned to the left. The left hand reaches to the right side of the body. The right hand supports the chin. The left foot is tucked behind the right. Upper centre of sheet: full-length study for the male and female figure in the painting 'Wedded' (c.1881-82, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney). The poses are similar to the finished work although the feet of the male figure are closer together and the drapery is different. Upper right of sheet: full-length study of a standing female figure turned to the right. The head is bowed and the hands appear to be on or near the hips. Lower left of sheet: full-length nude study of a standing male figure, facing the viewer. The figure looks over the left shoulder. The figure leans back towards a low wall or surface and both hands are on the surface. The left leg is crossed over the right. To the right of this figure there is a full-length study of a seated female figure in profile, facing to to the left. The head is turned towards the viewer. The arms are not seen and may be folded. The right leg is raised and the right foot rests on the seat. The left foot and some drapery hang down and do not appear to touch the ground. Part of the seat is indicated. Lower right of sheet: full-length study of a reclining female figure facing the viewer, with head to the left. The upper body is propped up on the right elbow. The right hand rests in the lap. Below this is a similar study but the figure is propped up on both hands which reach out to the left. The first of the two reclining figures is overlapped by a full-length study of a standing female figure, with back to viewer, turned to the right and bending forwards towards something near the ground. The left hand reaches up and 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

• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.166 (listed under catalogue number 280)
• Simon, Robin, (editor), 'Lord Leighton 1830-1896 and Leighton House: A Centenary Celebration', Apollo Magazine, London, 1996, p.39