Study for 'Captive Andromache': Drapery for Female Figure

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Captive Andromache': Drapery for Female Figure
Date: c.1887
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 55.9 x 37.0 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0675
Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse, centre "E.36" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "605" encircled, in pencil and gone over in black biro, crossed out in black biro. Inscribed on reverse, lower centre "G / Captive Andromache" in pencil. Inscribed

Interpretation

Leighton made several large drapery studies, like this one, for just three paintings: 'Cymon and Iphigenia' (c.1884, private collection), 'Captive Andromache' (c.1888, Manchester Art Gallery), and 'The Return of Persephone' (c.1891, City Art Gallery, Leeds). Most were made for 'Captive Andromache'.

Description

Full-length drapery study for the female figure, facing the viewer and dressed in blue, to the left of the painting 'Captive Andromache' (c.1888, Manchester Art Gallery). The head and feet are also indicated. The pattern of the drapery is very similar to the finished work. 

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)