Study for a Composition Showing the Invasion of a German Town

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Drawing details

Title: Study for a Composition Showing the Invasion of a German Town
Date: 1845-52
Media: Pencil, pen and black ink on white paper
Dimensions: 44.4 x 34.5 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0865
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "Early design", in pencil. Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse of backing board, centre "GERMAN TOWN" within a box, in pencil, written sideways. Inscribed on reverse of backing board, centre le

Description

In the lower centre of the composition two male figures in feathered hats are on horseback. To the left of them are a group of standing male figures in military uniform. In front of this group, two female figures and one male figure kneel and appear to be pleading. To the lower right there is a horse and a group of merry male figures drinking. To the lower left a horse rears and there is a group of male figures, two of which are apparently dancing. The background shows a view of a German town, with a large gateway just left of centre. A tree dominates the right side of the composition. 

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 ?); purchased from the Fine Art Society by Mrs. George Monk Gibbs for ú4:0:0; presented to Leighton House Museum by Gibbs in c.1897 

Bibliography

• Anon., 'Catalogue of Drawings by the late Lord Leighton Preserved for the Nation', Leighton House Committee, 1897, catalogue number 28 "Sketches for early designs"
• Cockerell, Samuel Pepys (Foreward), 'Catalogue of a Collection of Studies for Pictures, Designs and Sketches by the Late Lord Leighton, P.R.A.', The Fine Art Society, London, 1896, p.16 catalogue number 13 

Reproductions

38217