Studies for 'Idyll' and 'Cymon and Iphigenia': Male and Female Figures

• enlarge drawing

Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'Idyll' and 'Cymon and Iphigenia': Male and Female Figures
Date: c.1880
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 32.2 x 23.7 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0702
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" embossed.

Interpretation

The three studies on this sheet show a progression, from top to bottom. The first is similar to the pose of the two figures to the right of the painting 'Idyll' (c.1880-81, private collection) and the third is similar in pose to the two reclining figures to the right of the painting 'Cymon and Iphigenia' (c.1884, private collection). Ideas for both paintings seem to have come from this one drawing.

Description

Upper third of sheet: full-length study for the two reclining female figures to the right of the painting 'Idyll' (c.1880-81, private collection). Unlike the finished work, the heads of the figures are turned so that they are able to look into each others eyes. Also the figure to the right appears to be male, whereas in the finished work it is a female figure. Centre of sheet: full-length study of the same two figures in the same pose, but viewed from further left, so that they are no longer in profile. Lower third of sheet: full-length study for the reclining female figure and girl, to the right of the painting 'Cymon and Iphigenia' (c.1884, private collection). Apparently drawn from the same models, the figure in the background is in a similar pose to the painting. However the second figure lies on her back. 

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.165 (listed under catalogue number 276)