Studies for Decorative Panels for Longford Hall, Greater Manchester: Female Figures

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Drawing details

Title: Studies for Decorative Panels for Longford Hall, Greater Manchester: Female Figures
Date: 1895-96
Media: Black and white chalk on grey-brown paper
Dimensions: 27.9 x 37.1 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0787
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse of backing board, centre "a61" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse of backing board, centre right "268" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse of backing board, upper right "23" i

Interpretation

This drawing is reproduced in a biography of Leighton, written shortly after his death, with the caption "... executed the last day he worked - Wednesday, January 21, 1896". [Corkran, Alice, 'Frederic Leighton', Methuen & Co., London, 1904, caption to illustration, opposite p.163] The figure seen in the centre and to the right of this sheet, apparently preparing to use a bow and arrow, is also seen in a study reproduced in a volume published by the Fine Art Society in 1898, alongside a drawing of a couple embracing. [Cockerell, Samuel Pepys (Forward), 'Drawings and Studies by the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Fine Art Society, 1898, plate XL]

Description

Left of sheet: full-length study of a female figure turned to the left. The head is in profile, facing left, and is bowed. The left hand is held over the head and holds an object with a handle, which is also indicated. The right hand is held away from the figure to the left at hip height. A length of ribbon or drapery falls from the object in the left hand to the right hand and towards the ground. The figure is in classical dress. Centre of sheet: full-length nude study of a female figure turned to the left. The head is turned to the right. The left hand reaches forward and is held at waist height. The hand holds a bow which is not indicated. The right elbow is held away from the body at shoulder height and the hand is at head height, as if drawing an arrow. The heels are together and left foot points to the viewer and the right foot points to the left. Right of sheet: full-length nude study of the same female figure. However the head is inclined to the right and the feet are hip width apart. 

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 (Fine Art Society reference number A61); purchased from the Fine Art Society by Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield for ú15:15:0 on 08 February 1897; presented to Leighton House Museum in c.1897 

Bibliography

• Corkran, Alice, 'Frederic Leighton', Methuen and Co., London, 1904, illustrated opposite p.163
• Gere, Charlotte, et al., 'A Victorian Master: Drawings by Frederic, Lord Leighton', Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, 2006, p.105 catalogue number 6.5 (illustrated) 

Exhibition history

• 08 November 2006 to 25 February 2007, 'A Victorian Master: Drawings by Frederic, Lord Leighton', Leighton House Museum, London, catalogue number 6.5