Study for a Humorous Composition showing a Male Figure and Male Children

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Drawing details

Title: Study for a Humorous Composition showing a Male Figure and Male Children
Date: 1844-52
Media: Pencil and grey wash
Dimensions: 19.8 x 15.0 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0875
Inscriptions: Signed lower right "F Leighton", in watercolour. Inscribed lower left "Londonkind." in watercolour, in the artist's hand.

Interpretation

This humorous cartoon is intended to represent a typical Londoner of the time. The turned up nose, checked clothing and uncomfortably short trousers of the central figure suggests that the artist is poking fun at Londoners. The signature "F Leighton" was most frequently used by Leighton between 1847 and 1851. This suggests that it is a view of 'Londonkind' drawn from the perspective of an outsider, as at this time Leighton was living abroad and had never lived in the city himself.

Description

In the centre of the sheet a full-length standing male figure in profile, facing to the left. Either side of this figure there is a full-length standing male child. 

Provenance

Collection of Leighton House Museum, , The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea 

Bibliography

• 1975, Hamlet Behind the Clown: Serious Works by Humorous Artists', Leighton House Museum, London, 1975, catalogue number 39 

Exhibition history

• 1969, 'Display of Drawings and Paintings in the Winter Studio and Perrin Gallery', Leighton House Museum, catalogue number 45
• 1975, 'Hamlet Behind the Clown: Serious Works by Humorous Artists', Leighton House Museum, London, catalogue number 39