Studies for 'The Marquand Ceiling': Cherubs

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Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'The Marquand Ceiling': Cherubs
Date: c.1885
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 30.5 x 24.2 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0658
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "I11" in pencil, crossed out in pencil.

Interpretation

The rough sketch of the cherub, leaning over a lyre, to the upper right of the sheet is probably related to the cherub in the left hand panel of 'The Marquand Ceiling' (c.1886, probably private collections). The cherub holding a pot of seed may be related to the cherub in the painting 'Cupid and Dove' (1870's, untraced).

Description

Upper left of sheet: full-length study for the standing cupid seen to the left of the study for a wall painting or ceiling design at Leighton House Museum (reference number LHO/D/0659). Upper centre of sheet: full-length study of a nude, standing cupid, facing the viewer, holding the pot of seed to his chest and looking down. Upper right of sheet: study of the cherub in the left hand panel of the painting 'The Marquand Ceiling' (c.1886, probably private collections). This study differs from the finished work as he has no wings, his head is seen in profile, facing to the right and his right arm is held higher. Lower left of sheet: full-length study of the cherub and lyre in the left hand panel of the painting 'The Marquand Ceiling'. This study differs from the finished work as he stands to the right of the lyre, his wings are smaller, and his left hand rests on the lyre whilst his right hand tunes it. 

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.168 (listed under catalogue number 323)