Study for 'The Marquand Ceiling': Terpsichore and Boy

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'The Marquand Ceiling': Terpsichore and Boy
Date: c.1885
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 35.7 x 25.9 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0652
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "11" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed lower right "Marquand Ceiling" in pencil, partially erased. Inscribed on reverse, centre "F20" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "271" encircled, in black biro, crossed out i

Interpretation

The pattern of the drapery is such an important part of the overall composition of this work, that despite this being a nude study, Leighton has felt it necessary to lightly sketch it in. The border, drawn around the image, was decorated in the completed ceiling design.

Description

Study for the composition of the right hand panel of the painting 'The Marquand Ceiling' (c.1886, private collections). The figures are drawn in outline and in the nude, with drapery lightly sketched in. The drapery is different to that seen in the final work. The composition is framed twice with black chalk lines. 

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

• Barrington, Mrs. Russell, 'The Life, Letters and Work of Frederic, Lord Leighton', George Allen, London, 1906, volume I, illustrated opposite p.276
• Gere, Charlotte, et al., 'A Victorian Master: Drawings by Frederic, Lord Leighton', Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, 2006, p.93 catalogue number 5.8 (illustrated)
• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.168 (listed under catalogue number 323) 

Exhibition history

• 08 November 2006 to 25 February 2007, 'A Victorian Master: Drawings by Frederic, Lord Leighton', Leighton House Museum, London, catalogue number 5.8