Study for 'Count Paris...': Waiter

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Count Paris...': Waiter
Date: c.1855
Media: Black and red chalk and bodycolour on paper
Dimensions: 35.6 x 25.2 cm
Location: 50The British Museum, London
Reference number: 1897,0512.19
Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse, centre "754" encircled. Stamped lower centre "BRITISH/1897/5 12/19/MUSEUM" in black ink. Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled in blue ink.

Interpretation

This drawing demonstrates just how thorough Leighton was in making studies. This figure can barely be seen in the completed painting, but, nonetheless, a study was made for him.

Description

Study for the waiter serving drinks in a tavern, just seen through the window, in the background of the painting 'Count Paris...' (c.1856-58, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide). 

Provenance

Bequeathed by the artist to his sisters, Mrs. Augusta Matthews (nTe Augusta Neunburg Leighton, 1835-1919) and Mrs. Alexandra Orr (nTe Alexandra Leighton, 1828-1903); purchased by the Fine Art Society in 1896; purchased from the Fine Art Society by The British Museum, London in 1897 (with 30 others drawings for a total of ú300) 

Bibliography

• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.151 (listed under catalogue number 35) 

Exhibition history

• 1901, 'Exhibition of Drawings and Sketches', The British Museum, London, catalogue number B 246