Study of Bramble

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Drawing details

Title: Study of Bramble
Date: 1856
Media: Pencil on white paper
Dimensions: 9.7 x 16.2 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0982
Inscriptions: Inscribed upper left corner "Bramble" in pencil, in the artist's hand. Inscribed on backing board, centre left "3" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse of backing board, centre "578" in red ink, scribbled out in blue ink.

Interpretation

The three studies on this sheet, showing the leaf formation of bramble, demonstrate that Leighton believed it important for an artist to have a real understanding of the structure of the plants he drew. Leighton took a scientific approach to gathering this information, and often produced carefully considered and thoroughly observed studies like this one. The term 'Bramble' principally refers to the blackberry bush, but not the fruit itself.

Description

Study of a branch of bramble in leaf. Lower centre of sheet: three studies of bramble leaf formation, arranged horizontally. To the left is a stem with three small leaves, in the centre is a similar stem, with to leaves apparently dividing. To the right is a stem with five leaves. Right of sheet: outline study of a stem of a plant in leaf, possibly bramble. 

 

Bibliography

• Barrington, Mrs. Emilie Isabel (preface), '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, London, p.174 catalogue number 105
• Staley, Edgcumbe, 'Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Walter Scott Publishing Company, London, 1906, p.214 

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 105 (exhibited in the Ante Room)