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

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'And the sea gave up the dead which were in it': Composition
Date: c.1877
Media: Black chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 13.4 x 13.0 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0602
Inscriptions: Stamped lower centre "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "5/-", in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "D5" encircled, in pencil.

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/0600).

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. There are more figures than seen in the finished work and the central group of figures in the painting are positioned further to the right in this drawing. A second group of figures is seen to the left of the background. 

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 115c
• 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 115c