Study for 'Flaming June': Female Figure, Male Figure

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Flaming June': Female Figure, Male Figure
Date: c.1894
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 23.4 x 32.1 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0745
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "Flaming June" in pencil. Inscribed lower right "L/L/" in pencil. Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "Flaming June ú2.2.0" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, lower right "8" in pencil. I

Interpretation

This drawing is on the warm brown paper used by Leighton from c.1877 to c.1892. It may be an early idea for the painting 'Flaming June' (c.1895, Museo De Arte Ponce, Puerto Rico), perhaps inspired by one of Leighton's earlier paintings, 'A Sunny Corner' (c.1872, Sudley House).

Description

Left of sheet: full-length, nude study of a standing male figure, in profile, facing to the right. The figure is leaning forward and resting his elbows on a piece of furniture and his chin on his left hand. Centre of sheet: full-length study for the reclining female figure in the painting 'Flaming June' (c.1895, Museo De Arte Ponce, Puerto Rico). The pose is similar, although the figure is turned further to the right. A chair, not included in the finished work, is 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.161 catalogue number 1d
• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.172 (listed under catalogue number 388) 

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 1d (exhibited in the Dining Room)