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

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'And the sea gave up the dead which were in it': Male Figures
Date: 1877-82
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 22.6 x 22.0 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0607
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, embossed. Inscribed lower right "Sea gave up her Dead" in pencil. Inscribed lower left "79" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "228" encircled, in biro, crossed out in biro. Inscribed on reverse, centre "D8" e

Interpretation

The male figure to the right is also seen in another study at Leighton House Museum (reference number LHO/D/0616). The pose was eventually adapted and used for a female figure in the finished painting.

Description

Full-length study for two male figures for the painting 'And the sea gave up the dead that were in it' (1891-92, Tate Britain). The figure on the left faces the viewer and is similar to the central figure in the painting. However, the left hand reaches up to the left shoulder and the head is turned to the right and looks up. Rather than the male child in the finished work, a second male figure is held in his left arm. This figure is turned to the left and looks up. The right arm of the figure rests across the shoulders of the figure to the left. The left hand is placed against the left side of the waist and the left arm is in a similar position to the right arm of the female figure in the painting. Thin lengths of drapery wrap around the torso and the arm. 

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 115d
• 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 115d