Study for 'Perseus on Pegasus': Composition, Perseus and Pegasus

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Perseus on Pegasus': Composition, Perseus and Pegasus
Date: c.1895
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 36.7 x 28.3 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0692
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed lower right "Perseus- 95-96" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "A43" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, upper centre "97A" encircled, crossed out, in black biro. Inscribed on

Interpretation

The circular border marked the edge of the composition has been drawn several times at slightly different sizes. These lines indicate that the size of the whole composition, in relation to the figure and horse, was gradually reduced by Leighton.

Description

Study for the composition of the painting 'Perseus on Pegasus' (c.1895-96, Museum and Art Gallery, Leicester). The drapery behind the figure does not form the same curved shape seen in the finished work and the circle framing the composition has been drawn repeatedly at different sizes. Lower right of sheet: two small, rough studies for the figure of Perseus on Pegasus. 

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. Emilie Isabel, 'Catalogue: Lord Leighton's House and What it Contains', 1900, reprinted as part of 'A Collection of Essays on Lord Leighton and his Works with Illustrated Catalogue of the Contents of Leighton House', privately published, London, 1900-01, p.176 catalogue number 140d
• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.173 (listed under catalogue number 403)
• Staley, Edgcumbe, 'Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Walter Scott Pu 

Exhibition history

• 09 April 1900 to at least 1936, 'The Leighton House Collection' (intended to be a permanent display), Leighton House Museum, London, catalogue number 140d (exhibited in the large studio)