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: 31.1 x 22.9 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0616
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, embossed. Inscribed lower right "Sea giving up its Dead" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "260" or "261" encircled, in biro, crossed out in biro. Inscribed on reverse, centre "220" encircled, in pencil. Insc

Interpretation

This male figure is also seen in another study at Leighton House Museum (reference number LHO/D/0607). The pose was eventually adapted and used for a female figure in the finished painting.

Description

Centre of sheet: half-length study of a male figure for the painting 'And the sea gave up the dead that were in it' (1891-92, Tate Britain). The figure is turned to the left and the head is turned to look up. The right arm of the figure rests across the shoulders of a second figure to the left. The right hand of the figure and the neck and upper torso of the second figure are very lightly indicated. The left hand is placed against the left side of the chest 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. Lower left of sheet: study for the left hand and wrist of the same figure. Lower centre of sheet: study for the right hand and wrist of the same figure. The neck and upper torso of the second figure are very lightly indicated. Lower right of sheet: study of a left hand, making a fist, seen from the back of the hand. This may be an alterative gesture for the left hand of the male figure. 

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.225, catalogue number 115j
• 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 115j