Study for 'Winding the Skein': Composition

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Winding the Skein': Composition
Date: c.1878
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Location: The British Museum, London
Reference number: 1955.0709.48

Interpretation

Leighton has drawn ruled lines, radiating out from a vanishing point, in order to work out the perspective of the composition.

Description

Sketch for the composition of the painting 'Winding the Skein' (c.1878, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney). There are a series of ruled lines, radiating from a central point, over the composition. 

Provenance

Bequeathed by the artist to his sisters, Mrs. Augusta Matthews (nTe Augusta Neunburg Leighton, 1835-1919) and Mrs. Alexandra Orr (nTe Alexandra Leighton, 1828-1903); purchased by the Fine Art Society in 1896; purchased from the Fine Art Society by The British Museum, London in 1897 (with 30 others drawings for a total of ú300) 

Bibliography

• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.164 (listed under catalogue number 249)