Study for 'The Star of Bethlehem': Male Figure with Lamp

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'The Star of Bethlehem': Male Figure with Lamp
Date: c.1861
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 44.4 x 29.6 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0751
Inscriptions: Inscribed in lower centre "Study" in pencil. Inscribed lower right "l/l/-" in pencil. Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "N94" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "3/3/-" in pencil. Inscribed

Interpretation

The hair and costume of this figure suggest that it is a study for a biblical subject.

Description

Three-quarter-length study for the male figure, with an oil lamp, seen under the arch in the painting 'The Star of Bethlehem' (1862, private collection). 

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 381) 

Exhibition history

• 1969, 'Display of Drawings and Paintings in the Winter Studio and Perrin Gallery', Leighton House Museum, catalogue number 3