Studies of a Vine and a Head with Wreath

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Drawing details

Title: Studies of a Vine and a Head with Wreath
Date: 1854
Media: Pencil and bodycolour on brown paper
Dimensions: 29.5 x 44.2 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/1006
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "Pomegranate / Lucca - Bagni alla - villa -" in pencil, in the artist's hand. Inscribed lower right corner " / 60" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "503" encircled, in blue biro, number scribbled out in blue biro. Inscrib

Interpretation

The male child to the right of the painting 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...' (c.1853-55, Royal Collection) wears a similar wreath on his head as the one seen here, and is also viewed from behind. If the inscription (which is not in Leighton's hand) is to be believed, this drawing was made in the town of Lucca, in Italy, which Leighton visited in 1854.

Description

Left of sheet: study of a vine, wrapped around part of a wooden frame. Upper centre of sheet: study of a vine. Right of sheet: study of the head of a figure, with back to viewer, wearing a wreath. The wreath is made of pomegranate leaves. The neck is also indicated. 

Provenance

Collection of John MacWhirter RA (painter, 1839-1911); presented to Leighton House Museum by MacWhirter in c.1897 

Bibliography

• Anon., 'Catalogue of Drawings by the late Lord Leighton Preserved for the Nation', Leighton House Committee, 1897, catalogue number 22 first section
• 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.189 catalogue number 249
• Barrington, Mrs. Russell, 'The L 

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 249 (exhibited on the west wall in the glass studio)