Studies of a Female Figure

• enlarge drawing

Drawing details

Title: Studies of a Female Figure
Date: 1892-96
Media: Black and white chalk on grey brown paper
Dimensions: 35.9 x 27.3 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0892
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "Study of Heads" in pencil. Stamped lower left corner "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse "N80" encircled, in pencil.

Interpretation

This may be a study of the artist's model Mary Lloyd, who frequently modelled for Leighton towards the end of career, and who may have sat for the painting 'Flaming June' Flaming June' (1895-96, Museo de Arte de Ponce, Puerto Rico) . Lloyd had similar long, dark, wavy or curly hair, an upturned nose, and thick eyebrows.

Description

Upper half of sheet: head and shoulders study of a female figure in profile, facing left. The shoulders are turned towards the viewer. Part of the upper arms are indicated and the right arm appears to be stretched out in front of the body, and left arm behind. The hair is long, curly, and is tied up. Part of a sleeveless smock or dress is seen and frilled drapery falls across the left shoulder. Lower half of sheet: half-length study of the same, seated female figure, in profile, facing to the left, although the head is turned down and towards the viewer. The right hand and left elbow rest on the arms of a chair. The chair arms are also indicated. 

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 N80); purchased from the Fine Art Society by James Knowles for ú5:5:0; presented to Leighton House Museum in c.1897