Study for 'And the sea gave up the dead which were in it': Composition

• enlarge drawing

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'And the sea gave up the dead which were in it': Composition
Date: c.1877
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 13.7 x 13.3 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0600
Inscriptions: Stamped lower centre "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "489" encircled, in blue biro, crossed out in blue biro. Inscribed on reverse, centre "[illegible]" encircled, in pencil, crossed out in blue biro.

Interpretation

This early idea for the painting shows a different composition to that used for the finished work and includes many more figures. There is another drawing of this composition, also at Leighton House Museum (reference number LHO/D/0602).

Description

Study for the composition of the painting 'And the sea gave up the dead that were in it' (1891-92, Tate Britain). The composition is roughly drawn so it is difficult to compare to the finished work, although the central group of figures in the painting are positioned further to the right in this drawing. 

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

• Jones, Stephen, et al., 'Frederic Leighton (1830-1896)', Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1996, p.221, catalogue number 115b
• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.170 (listed under catalogue number 354) 

Exhibition history

• 15 February to 21 April 1996, 'Frederic Leighton 1830-1896', The Royal Academy of Arts, London, catalogue number 115b