Study for 'The Death of Brunelleschi': Composition

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'The Death of Brunelleschi': Composition
Date: c.1851
Media: Black chalk and white bodycolour on white paper
Dimensions: 50.6 x 39.4 cm
Location: The British Museum, London
Reference number: 1897,0512.10

Interpretation

A second compositional sketch for this painting in chalk and watercolour is at the Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle (reference number C13228). The version at the Laing is more like the finished painting and therefore this is likely to be the earlier of the two. Leighton's sister, Alexandra Leighton, 1828-1903), is thought to have modelled for the female figure, sitting at the side of Brunelleschi. His father is thought to have modelled the elderly figure standing behind Brunelleschi.

Description

Compositional sketch for the painting 'The Death of Brunelleschi' (1852, Leighton House Museum). This drawing differs from the final painting in that the figure of Brunelleschi is more upright and appears to still be alive. The woman seated on the floor to the lower right stares ahead blankly, with fingers entwined and her hands resting gently in her lap. Her gestures are less anxious than in the final work and her hair is tied up. In the background, the buildings in front of the dome of the cathedral differ from those in the final painting. Also, they are viewed through an archway, which is spanned by two swags of foliage in this drawing whereas only one is seen in the final painting. 

Provenance

Purchased from B. Simmonds in 1897 

Bibliography

• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.150 (listed under catalogue number 14)
• Staley, Edgcumbe, 'Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Walter Scott Publishing Co., London, 1906, illustrated opposite p. 32, p.226 

Exhibition history

• 1901, 'Exhibition of Drawings and Sketches', The British Museum, London, catalogue number B 245