Study for 'And the sea gave up the dead which were in it': Male Figure, Hands

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'And the sea gave up the dead which were in it': Male Figure, Hands
Date: 1877-82
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 33.0 x 22.7 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0608
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, embossed. Inscribed lower left "77" in pencil, cut off. Inscribed lower right "Sea giving up its dead" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, lower right "10/" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "242" encircled, cro

Interpretation

The upper-most study on this sheet does not relate directly to the finished painting, but does relate to other studies for the painting. It is a study for the hands and forearms of the male figure to the right of another drawing in the collection at Leighton House Museum (reference number LHO/D/0604). Leighton made several studies for this male figure before deciding to replace the figure with a woman.

Description

Upper half of sheet: study for the clasped hands and forearms of a male figure for the painting 'And the sea gave up the dead that were in it' (1891-92, Tate Britain). The hands are linked around a second body. The right shoulder and arm of the second male figure, are also indicated. Lower half of sheet: full-length nude study of a reclining male figure, facing the viewer, for the same painting. The head is turned to look up. The legs stretch to the right. The figure rests on the right leg and both hands which reach to the right and to the ground. The upper body is raised. The legs are bent so that the feet are furthest from the viewer. Part of the right foot only is seen. The right hand is not indicated. The figure is on a surface which slopes down to the right. These studies do not directly relate to any figure in the finished work. 

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.224, catalogue number 115i
• 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 115i