Study for 'Return of Persephone': Drapery for Persephone

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Return of Persephone': Drapery for Persephone
Date: c.1891
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 36.0 x 26.4 cm
Location: The British Museum, London
Picture credit: The Trustees of The British Museum, London
Reference number: 1897,0512.22

Interpretation

This drawing shows Persephone's hands stretched up and to the left. A very similar drapery study for the same figure was reproduced in 'The Review of Reviews' in 1896 (p.492), but shows the arms bent and held closer to the body. The version here is more like the finished painting. Unusually Leighton seems to have slightly altered the pose of the figure from his first concept and has therefore repeated the drapery study for this figure.

Description

Drapery study for the figure of Persephone seen on the right of the painting 'Return of Persephone' (c.1891, City Art Gallery, Leeds). All the drapery and the full-length of the figure are shown although the arms and face are lightly sketched in. Upper right of sheet: study for the drapery which hangs over the right arm of the figure of Persephone. The arm itself is not shown. 

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

• 'Drawings and Studies by the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Fine Art Society, 1898
• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.171 (listed under catalogue number 360)
• Staley, Edgcumbe, 'Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Walter Scott Publishing Co., London, 1906, illustrated opposite p.152, p.225 

Exhibition history

• 1901, 'Exhibition of Drawings and Sketches', The British Museum, London, catalogue number B 277