Studies for 'The Spirit of the Summit': Female Figures

Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'The Spirit of the Summit': Female Figures
Date: 1893
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 27.6 x 36.7 cm
Location: The British Museum, London
Picture credit: Courtesy of The Guildhall Library (illustrated from Spielmann, M. H., 'The Royal Academy Exhibition', The Magazine of Art, 1894, p.217)
Reference number: 1955,0709.47
Inscriptions: Inscribed "Spirit of the Summit", not in Leighton's hand.

Interpretation

Leighton allowed this drawing to be reproduced in 1894, for an article in 'The Magazine of Art' (p.219).

Description

Three studies, seen from different angles for 'The Spirit of the Summit' (c.1894, Auckland City Art Gallery). Each shows a full-length female figure seated on a mountain top, with hands by her side and head and eyes inclined upwards, towards the sky. The first sketch shows the figure in three quarter profile turned to her right with her right arm resting in her right leg and her left arm supporting her by her side. The second is shown full face, with the body turned slightly to the model's right. Both arms rest on her legs. The third is turned to the right, with both arms resting on her legs. 

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; sold by the Fine Art Society to Reverend Canon Valpy; collection of Iolo Williams; presented to The British Museum, London by Iolo Williams in 1955 

Bibliography

• 'Drawings and Studies by the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Fine Art Society, 1898, plate XXXV
• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.172 (listed under catalogue number 384)
• 'Magazine of Art', 1894, illustrated on p.219