Studies of a Female Figure

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Drawing details

Title: Studies of a Female Figure
Date: 1891-96
Media: Black and white chalk on grey-brown paper
Dimensions: 28.0 x 37.1 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0744
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "K41" encircled, in pencil, written sideways.

Interpretation

These two studies probably lead to the first drawings of the poses of female figures in the paintings 'Flaming June' (c.1895, Museo de Arte Ponce, Puerto Rico) and 'The Garden of the Hesperides' (c.1892, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight).

Description

Left of sheet: full-length study of a seated female figure, turned to the left. The arms are folded and the head is tipped back to the on the arm of the chair she is seated in. Right of sheet: full-length study of a seated female figure, turned to the right. The figure is bent forward, the head is bowed and the hands are pressed against the face. 

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 388)