Study for 'And the sea gave up the dead which were in it': Male and Female Figures

• enlarge drawing

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'And the sea gave up the dead which were in it': Male and Female Figures
Date: 1882-84
Media: Watercolour and black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 22.6 x 22.6 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0606
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, embossed. Inscribed lower right "Sea gave up her Dead" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "321" encircled in black biro, crossed out in black biro. Inscribed on reverse, centre left "D10" encircled, in pencil,

Description

Left of sheet: full-length, rough study for the central group of three figures in the painting 'And the sea gave up the dead that were in it' (1891-92, Tate Britain). The positions of the figures are similar to the finished painting although the male child to the right is held higher on the body of the male figure. Right of sheet: full-length study for the male and female figures in the centre of the painting. The poses are similar to the finished work. The left arm of the male figure is not indicated. 

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.229, catalogue number 115r
• 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 115r