Study of a Female Head, Capri

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Drawing details

Title: Study of a Female Head, Capri
Date: 1859
Media: Pencil on white paper
Dimensions: 27.4 x 20.1 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0958
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower left "Capri/59" in pencil, in the artist's hand. Illegible inscription lower centre in pencil, erased, Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, embossed. Inscribed on reverse of backing board, centre "O79" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed o

Interpretation

There are two known drawings of the same model, also made in Capri in 1859. One is privately owned and shows her turned further to the left and without the headscarf. The other, sold by Sotheby's in London in 1978, shows her in profile, facing to the left and wearing a headscarf, blouse, shawl and long skirt. This drawing is also inscribed with the model's name "Marietta".

Description

Head and shoulders study of a female figure, turned to the left. The eyes are heavy and she has wavy hair. She wears a headscarf and the collar of a blouse or dress is also sketched in. 

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 O79); purchased from the Fine Art Society through the Leighton Fund; presented to Leighton House Museum in c.1897 

Bibliography

• Anon., 'Catalogue of Drawings by the late Lord Leighton Preserved for the Nation', Leighton House Committee, 1897, p.14 catalogue number 3 (Studies of Heads)
• 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, catalogue number 104 or 240 

Exhibition history

• April 1897 to c.1899, 'Drawings by the late Lord Leighton Preserved for the Nation', Leighton House Museum, London, catalogue number 3 (Studies of Heads)
• 09 April 1900 to at least 1936, 'The Leighton House Collection' (intended to be a permanent display), Leighton House Museum, London, catalogue number 104 or 240