Study of a Female Head

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Drawing details

Title: Study of a Female Head
Date: 1856
Media: Pencil on white paper
Dimensions: 29.0 x 22.5 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0948
Inscriptions: Inscribed centre right "Venezia / 18 FL 56" in pencil, in the artist's hand. Inscribed lower right "Early Head" in pencil, in the artist's hand. Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, embossed. Inscribed on reverse, centre "M47" encircled, in pencil, wr

Interpretation

In total there are three studies of this model at Leighton House Museum (see also reference numbers LHO/D/0947 and LHO/D/0953). The model resembles La Nanna, a well known artist's model based in Rome. However, Leighton's inscription indicates that they were made in Venice.

Description

Study of the head of a female figure, facing the viewer. The eyelids are heavy and the figure has curly or wavy hair. The figure wears earrings and drapery is seen across the shoulders. 

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 M47); presented to Leighton House Museum by the Honourable Eleanor, Lady Leighton 

Bibliography

• Barrington, Mrs. Emilie Isabel, 'Catalogue: Lord Leighton's House and What it Contains', 1900, reprinted as part of 'A Collection of Essays on Lord Leighton and his Works with Illustrated Catalogue of the Contents of Leighton House', privately published, London, 1900-01, p.168 catalogue number 45 

Exhibition history

• 09 April 1900 to at least 1936, 'The Leighton House Collection' (intended to be a permanent display), Leighton House Museum, London, catalogue number 45 (exhibited in the silk room)