Studies for 'The Jealousy of Simoetha the Sorceress' and 'The Marquand Ceiling': Mnemosyne, Female Figures

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Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'The Jealousy of Simoetha the Sorceress' and 'The Marquand Ceiling': Mnemosyne, Female Figures
Date: c.1885
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 22.5 x 30.3 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0734
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "B3" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "302" altered to "301" encircled, in black biro, scribbled out in black biro.

Interpretation

The study to the right of this sheet is almost certainly an early study for the central figure of Mnemosyne (mother of the muses) seen in the central panel of 'The Marquand Ceiling' (c.1886, untraced).

Description

Left of sheet: three-quarter-length study for the female figure in the painting 'The Jealousy of Simoetha the Sorceress' (c.1887, untraced). Part of the chair is indicated. Upper centre of sheet: half-length study of the same female figure, turned so that the head faces the viewer. Right of sheet: full-length study for the seated female figure, facing the viewer, in the centre of the central panel of 'The Marquand Ceiling' (c.1886, private collection). Unlike the finished work the head is bowed forward and inclined to the right. The ankles are crossed and the feet rest on a footstool. The hands are clasped around the left knee. The model is heavily draped in classical dress which also covers the head. Part of the chair and footstool are 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

• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.172 (listed under catalogue number 383)