Study for 'The Marquand Ceiling': Erato and Cherub

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'The Marquand Ceiling': Erato and Cherub
Date: c.1885
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 36.7 x 25.4 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0655
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "Marquand Ceiling" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "213" encircled, in pencil, crossed out in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre, "F21" encircled, in pencil, crossed out in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, upper right "So

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. It is not clear what the object crossed out at the upper right of the composition was intended to be, as it was not included in the final painting. The border, drawn around the image, was decorated in the completed ceiling design.

Description

Study for the composition of the left 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. A spherical object, not seen in the finished work, has been sketched at the upper right of the composition, and lightly crossed out. 

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

• Gere, Charlotte, et al., 'A Victorian Master: Drawings by Frederic, Lord Leighton', Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, 2006, p.93 catalogue number 5.7 (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 5.7