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

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'And the sea gave up the dead which were in it': Drapery
Date: 1882
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 31.4 x 21.7 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0605
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "430" encircled, in biro, crossed out in biro. Inscribed on reverse, centre "2/2/-" in pencil, very faint. Inscribed on reverse, upper right "3/7" in pencil.

Interpretation

The main figure on this sheet was eventually adapted to become a male figure, draped from the waist down, in the background of the painting. Another, less finished version of the pose is also in the collection at Leighton House Museum (reference number LHO/D/0614). The small sketch at the top of the sheet may be related to the painting 'Summer Slumber' (c.1894, private collection).

Description

Three-quarter length study for the male figure to the right of the background in the painting 'And the sea gave up the dead that were in it' (1891-92, Tate Britain). The drawing differs from the finished work as a female model has been used, the figure is turned to the left and the right hand falls by the back of the neck. The drapery also covers the figure up to the chest and falls over the elbows. Upper centre of sheet: Half-length study of a reclining figure, probably female, lying on her back. The head faces the viewer and is to the left. The arm hand rests on the ground and the hand reaches over the top of the head. 

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.227, catalogue number 115p
• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.170 (listed under catalogue number 354) 

Exhibition history

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