Study for 'Return of Persephone': Demeter, Persephone

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Return of Persephone': Demeter, Persephone
Date: c.1890
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 26.1 x 36.9 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0697
Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse of backing board, centre "115" in pencil, encircled, in black biro.

Interpretation

The Greek Goddess Demeter was also known as Ceres by the Romans.

Description

Left of sheet: full-length study for the figure of Ceres in the painting 'Return of Persephone' (c.1891, City Art Gallery, Leeds). Centre of sheet: full-length study for the same figure. The pose differs from that of the finished work as the arms are outstretched in front of the body, rather than to either side. Right of sheet: full-length study for the figure of Persephone in the painting. 

Provenance

Collection of Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea 

Bibliography

• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.171 (listed under catalogue number 360)