Studies of Female Figures

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Drawing details

Title: Studies of Female Figures
Date: c.1891-96
Media: Black and white chalk on grey-brown paper
Dimensions: 36.6 x 28.2 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0626
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, embossed. Inscribed lower "Project" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "J82" encircled, in pencil.

Interpretation

Although this figure is similar to a female figure, also seated on a klismos chair (antique Greek chair), to the right of the painting 'Music' (c.1883-85, Leighton House Museum), it is on a grey-brown paper which was only used by Leighton later, towards the end of his career.

Description

Upper half of sheet: full-length study of a seated female figure, in profile facing to the left. The head is bowed forward and the eyes appear to be closed. Both hands rest by the left hip and the body is slumped as though asleep. The hair is short and tied up, and the figure is in classical dress. The chair is also indicated. Lower half of sheet: full-length study of the same seated female figure. The head has fallen towards the viewer, so that the top of the head is visible. The lower part of the legs and drapery are only roughly indicated. The chair is not indicated. 

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.167 (listed under catalogue number 309)