Study of an Oleander and a Tuberose

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Drawing details

Title: Study of an Oleander and a Tuberose
Date: 1852-55
Media: Pencil and watercolour and bodycolour on blue paper
Dimensions: 26.6 x 28.7 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/1010
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower left "A Tuberose" in pencil, in the artist's hand. Stamped lower left corner "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "M30" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre right "481" in blue biro, scribbled out

Interpretation

This drawing was described as a study of 'stephanotis blossom' in the catalogue of the Fine Art Society's exhibition of Leighton drawings of 1897. In fact, the drawing shows a branches of an oleander and a tuberose. In an article written shortly after his death, Leighton's old friend Giovanni Costa (Italian painter, 1826-1903) reminisced "I recollect being with him when he made the drawing of an oleander in flower...". Costa lived in Florence and, if this is the drawing he refers to, it may have been made there. [Costa, Giovanni, 'Notes on Lord Leighton', The Cornhill Magazine, 1897, p.383]

Description

Left of sheet: study of a stem of an oleander in flower. Right of sheet: Study of a stem of a tuberose, with leaves and in flower. The white bodycolour used has oxidised and appears black or dark grey. 

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 M30); purchased from the Fine Art Society by Mrs. Emilie Isabel (Russell) Barrington (author and painter, 1844-1933) for ú5:5:0; presented to Leighton House Museum by Barrington in c.1897 

Bibliography

• Cockerell, Samuel Pepys (Foreward), 'Catalogue of a Collection of Studies for Pictures, Designs and Sketches by the Late Lord Leighton, P.R.A.', The Fine Art Society, London, 1896, p.17 catalogue number 30
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