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

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'And the sea gave up the dead which were in it': Male and Female Figures
Date: 1882-84
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 22.6 x 30.1 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0614
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, embossed. Inscribed lower left "79" in pencil. Inscribed lower "Sea gave up her dead" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "162" encircled, in blue biro, crossed out in blue biro. Inscribed on reverse, centre "D

Interpretation

The figure to the left of this sheet was eventually adapted to become a male figure, draped from the waist down, in the background of the painting. However, before the sex and pose were changed, a more finished study of this version of the pose was made, which is also in the collection at Leighton House Museum (reference number LHO/D/0605).

Description

Left of sheet: 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. Centre of sheet: full-length study of a male figure for the same painting. The figure was probably drawn standing, although the toes are pointed as if raised off the ground. The upper body is turned to the right and the lower body faces the viewer. The arms are straight and by each side and the head is turned to look up. The figure is tightly wrapped in drapery. The pose is not the same as any figure in the finished painting. Upper right of sheet: three-quarter length study of a male figure for the same painting, facing to the left. The head is turned to look up and to the right. The upper body bends to the right and the arms are by each side. The pose is not the same as any figure in the finished painting. 

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 115o
• 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 115o