Studies of a Female Figure and Female Child, Female Figure

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Drawing details

Title: Studies of a Female Figure and Female Child, Female Figure
Date: 1856-77
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 24.5 x 33.0 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0818
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "Project" in pencil. Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse of backing board, centre "542" in blue biro, crossed out in blue biro.

Interpretation

These studies may be early ideas for the painting entitled 'Sisters' (c.1862, private collection). However, the painting shows both woman and child standing.

Description

Upper left of sheet: full-length study of a seated female figure with a female child. The female figure faces the viewer with the left hand across the chest of the child and the head bowed towards the right shoulder of the child. The child faces the viewer and is slumped across the lap of the female figure. Centre right of sheet: full-length study of the same group, turned to the left. The child sits in the lap of the female figure and her head falls away from the viewer. Right of sheet: Lower left of sheet: full-length study of the female figure with a female child. Lower centre of sheet: full-length study of a standing female figure facing the viewer and leaning against a pillar. 

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 

Reproductions

38202