Studies for 'The Egyptian Slinger...': Male Figure

Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'The Egyptian Slinger...': Male Figure
Date: c.1875
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 31.6 x 22.6 cm
Location: The British Museum, London
Reference number: 1897,0512.23
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled in blue ink.

Interpretation

The two sketches of the figure in profile, shown having just thrown a stone, are studies for a second figure, originally included in the painting, which was later painted over by Leighton. A few spots of white paint over the drawing.

Description

Centre of sheet: full-length nude study for the male figure in the painting 'The Egyptian Slinger' (c.1875, untraced). Lower right of sheet: smaller sketch for the same figure. Upper right of sheet: similar study to the two previous studies, but unlike the painting where the figure faces the viewer. Here the figure is shown in profile, facing to the left, having already released the stone. Centre left of sheet: sketchier version of the previous pose. Centre right of sheet: sketch of the stomach and the drapery across the hips of the figure, as seen in the painting. 

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.163 (listed under catalogue number 234)
• Staley, Edgcumbe, 'Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Walter Scott Publishing Co., London, 1906, p.225 

Exhibition history

• 1901, 'Exhibition of Drawings and Sketches', The British Museum, London, catalogue number B 261