Studies for 'The Dance': Female Figures

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Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'The Dance': Female Figures
Date: c.1882
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 22.7 x 31.7 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0621
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed lower right "dance" in pencil, erased. Inscribed on reverse, upper left "THE DANCE, 1883" in black biro. Inscribed on reverse, upper centre "ACC No 621 1883" in black biro. Inscribed on reve

Interpretation

The figure at the top centre of this sheet appears to be related to the left-most female figure within the procession, in the painting 'The Daphnephoria' (1874-76, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight). However, 'The Daphnephoria' is almost certainly earlier than this drawing and it may be that in considering how to pose figures for the painting 'The Dance' (c.1881-83, Leighton House Museum), Leighton initially returned to an earlier idea.

Description

Left of sheet: full-length study of a standing female figure, turned to the right. The right hand rests across the top of the head. The left hand reaches to the mouth. The figure is heavily draped and drapery covers the head. Upper centre left of sheet: full-length study of a standing female figure, turned to the right, with head turned to the left. The hands are at waist height and the figure appears to lean on a surface with the left elbow. Upper centre of sheet: full-length study of a standing female figure, turned to the right. The head leans over to the right. The hands hold each side of the figure's classical dress and are raised towards the shoulders. The feet are barely indicated although the left foot is in front of the right. Upper right of sheet: full-length study of the same standing female figure, turned to the left. To the right is a full-length study of the same standing female figure, with back to the viewer. Lower centre of sheet: full-length study for the seated female figure in orange, to the right of the painting 'The Dance' (c.1881-83, Leighton House Museum). The figure faces the opposite way the equivalent figure in the painting and the legs are stretched in front of her rather than crossed. Unlike the painting, the head is also tilted to the left and rests on the right shoulder and the figure wears a wreath around the head. Centre right of sheet: full-length study for the reclining female figure in red, to the right of the same painting. The figure faces the opposite way the the equivalent figure in the painting. Also, unlike the finished work, the chin is lifted and more of the lower body is visible. 

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

• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.166 (listed under catalogue number 292) 

Exhibition history

• 10 March 1981 to 26 April 1981, 'Victorian Paintings at Riverside', Riverside Studios, London