Study for 'Clytie': Nude female figure

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Clytie': Nude female figure
Date: c.1895
Media: Black and white chalk on grey-brown paper
Dimensions: 36.5 x 27.7 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0706
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" embossed.

Interpretation

A remarkably similar study for the nude figure of Clytie was sold through the fine art auctioneers, Sotheby's, in London on 05 June 1996. There are several examples of drawings which are almost identical in Leighton's preparatory studies for this project. Clearly he was keen to perfect the pose. He may have been made wary of criticism, after the negative comments made in reference to the anatomy of the figure in his painting 'Flaming June (c.1895, Museo de Arte Ponce, Puerto Rico).

Description

Full-length nude study for the female figure of Clytie in the painting 'Clytie' (c.1895-96, private collection). The hair is roughly indicated. 

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.164 catalogue number 27d
• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.173 (listed under catalogue number 396)
• Gaunt, William (introduction), 'High Victorian Art: An Exhibition in Conjun 

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 27d (exhibited on the staircase)
• 1969, 'High Victorian Art: An Exhibition in Conjunction with the Tate Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the York Art Gallery', Leighton House Museum, London, catalogue number 132
• 08 November 2006 to 25 February 2007, 'A Victorian Master: Drawings by Frederic, Lord Leighton', Leighton House Museum, London,