Study of an Orange Tree

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Drawing details

Title: Study of an Orange Tree
Date: 1867
Media: Pencil on laid white paper
Dimensions: 21.7 x 17.0 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/1021
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower left "K. J. M. / Athens" in pencil, in the artist's hand. Stamped lower left "LLC" embossed. Inscribed on reverse, centre "Q90" in pencil, encircled. Inscribed on reverse, lower centre "1 / 9" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "

Interpretation

There is something of a mystery regarding the provenance of this drawing. The drawing is recorded in an early exhibition catalogue at Leighton House Museum as having been presented to the House by Leighton's sister, Mrs. Sutherland Orr (n+e Alexandra Leighton, 1828-1903). However, unlike other drawings presented by Orr, this has the stamp and reference number given to it by the Fine Art Society. This suggests that it is one of the 500 drawings that Leighton's sister purchased for Leighton House Museum, despite having sold it to the Fine Art Society in the first place.

Description

Study of an orange tree with leaves and oranges. The lower part of the tree is drawn in fine detail. The upper part of the branches are drawn in outline. 

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 Q90); collection of Mrs. Alexandra Orr (n+e Alexandra Leighton, 1828-1903); presented to Leighton House Museum by Orr in c.1897 

Bibliography

• Anon., 'Catalogue of Drawings by the late Lord Leighton Preserved for the Nation', Leighton House Committee, 1897, catalogue number 28 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.173 catalogue number 96
• Staley, Edgcumbe, 'Lord Leighton  

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 96 (exhibited in the Ante Room)
• 19 September 2005 to 09 December 2005, 'The Leighton Drawings Project: A Preview', Leighton House Museum, London