Study for 'Captive Andromache': Female Figures with Pitchers

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Captive Andromache': Female Figures with Pitchers
Date: c.1885
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 28.0 x 37.0 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0666
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed lower right "Andromache" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, left centre "C16" encircled, in pencil.

Description

Left of sheet: full-length study of a standing female figure turned to the right. The head is turned to the left and a pitcher is cradelled at waist height with the right arm. In the left hand a second pitcher is held by the handle at arms length. The figure is in classical dress. This may be an early idea for the figure in orange, with a pitcher under her right arm, to the left of the painting 'Captive Andromche' (c.1888, Manchester Art Gallery). Centre of sheet: full-length study for the female figure in orange, with a pitcher under her right arm, to the left of the painting 'Captive Andromche'. The head faces the viewer, whereas in the finished work it is turned to the left. Centre right of sheet: full-length study of the same female figure. Right of sheet: full length study for the female figure immediately behind Andromache in the painting 'Captive Andromache'. Upper right of sheet: rough study for the two previous female figures, drawn as a group. 

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.169 (listed under catalogue number 334)