Study for 'Clytie': Female Head

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Clytie': Female Head
Date: c.1895
Media: Black and white chalk on grey-brown paper
Dimensions: 26.4 x 22.5 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0707
Inscriptions: None

Interpretation

In the completed painting the head of Clytie is tilted even further back. There are four studies at Leighton House Museum for the head of the female figure in the painting 'Clytie' (1895-96, private collection), and from them it is clear that Leighton struggled to get the position of the head just right.

Description

Study for the head, neck, and part of the shoulder of the female figure in the painting 'Clytie' (c.1895-96, Private Collection). Some of the hair is also indicated. The line of the neck is different to the final painting and the head is not tilted back quite as far. 

Provenance

Collection of Leighton House Museum 

Bibliography

• Gere, Charlotte, et al., 'A Victorian Master: Drawings by Frederic, Lord Leighton', Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, 2006, p.108 catalogue number 6.8 (illustrated)
• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.173 (listed under catalogue number 396) 

Exhibition history

• 08 November 2006 to 25 February 2007, 'A Victorian Master: Drawings by Frederic, Lord Leighton', Leighton House Museum, London, catalogue number 6.8