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: 22.8 x 32.0 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0613
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower left "99" in pencil. Inscribed lower right "6" in pencil. Inscribed lower "Sea Gave up her dead" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "150" encircled, crossed out in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "613" in biro. Inscribed on

Interpretation

Although these figures were almost certainly drawn in preparation for the painting 'And the sea gave up the dead which were in it' (1891-92, tate Britain) they are not directly related to any of the figures in the finished work.

Description

Left of sheet: full-length study of a reclining male figure, in three-quarter profile and lying on his right side, for the painting 'And the sea gave up the dead that were in it' (1891-92, Tate Britain). The head is turned to look up. The upper body is to the left and is raised up, and the lower body to the right with the feet tucked behind the body. Both hands are on the ground either side of the figure, supporting the upper body. Upper right of sheet: full-length study of the same reclining male figure, in the same pose, but viewed in profile, facing to the left. Lower right of sheet: full-length study of the same reclining male figure, in the same pose, but viewed in profile, facing to the right, with legs furthest from the viewer. The figures are all heavily draped and the heads and chins are also covered by drapery. 

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 115e
• 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 115e