Study for 'Rizpah': Composition

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Rizpah': Composition
Date: c.1892
Media: Pencil on tracing paper
Dimensions: 12.5 x 9.0 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0721
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed lower left "721" in pencil.

Interpretation

In the drawings the composition shows Rizpah protecting just two bodies, whereas in the finished painting of 'Rizpah' (c.1893, private collection) there are three crucified bodies. This small composition on tracing paper is similar to Leighton's designs for illustrations for the Dalziel's Bible Gallery and this may be a study for the earlier Dalziel project, which Leighton later returned to and reused as the subject for a painting.

Description

Study for the composition of the painting 'Rizpah' (c.1893, private collection).This composition differsis considerably to the finished painting. The crucified body to the left, the oil container and the drapery beneath Rizpah's feet are not shown. Also the figure of Rizpah appears softer and more relaxed and her sickel is held lower. 

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.172 (listed under catalogue number 376) 

Exhibition history

• 1969, 'Display of Drawings and Paintings in the Winter Studio and Perrin Gallery', Leighton House Museum, catalogue number 67