Study of a Male Figure in Contemporary Dress with a Chair

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Drawing details

Title: Study of a Male Figure in Contemporary Dress with a Chair
Date: c.1849
Media: Pencil on white paper
Dimensions: 28.3 x 21.7 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0884
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "884" in pencil. Inscribed lower right "82/82" in pencil. Inscribed lower right "portrait" in pencil. Inscribed lower right "No.7 for catalogue/portrait" in brown ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "P18" encircled, in pencil.

Interpretation

In total there are three studies of this male figure at Leighton House Museum, probably all made at the same time (see also reference numbers LHO/D/0883 and LHO/D/0885). There is also a study of the same figure in a sketchbook by Leighton at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (reference number 42.21). The man is likely to be a friend or acquaintance of Leighton's, rather than a professional model, and the drawings do not appear to have been made in connection to any particular project.

Description

Full-length study of a seated male figure, in profile, facing to the left. The figure sits backwards on chair, with folded arms. The arms rest on the backrest of the chair. The figure has sideburns and wears contemporary dress, including a top hat and a coat. 

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 for ú2:2:0; presented to Leighton House Museum in c.1897 

Bibliography

• Anon., 'Catalogue of Drawings by the late Lord Leighton Preserved for the Nation', Leighton House Committee, 1897, of the Drawings Collection in the Archive Cat. No. 7 "Portraits" 

Exhibition history

• 1969, 'Display of Drawings and Paintings in the Winter Studio and Perrin Gallery', Leighton House Museum, catalogue number 36