Study for 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...': Female Head

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...': Female Head
Date: 1853
Media: Pencil on white paper
Dimensions: 22.6 x 18.2 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/1036
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "Torina. / Venezia. / 18 FL 53" in pencil, in the artist's hand. Inscribed on window mount "Hyatt" in pencil.

Interpretation

Although this drawing does not directly relate to any of the figures in the painting 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...' (c.1853-55, Royal Collection), the features do bear a strong resemblance to several of the female figures. The drawing has been inscribed by the artist with the name of the Italian model, Torina.

Description

Study of the head of a female figure, turned to the left. The eyes look to the left. The hair is parted in the centre and tied up and a round earring is visible on the left ear. The colour of a blouse or dress can just be seen. 

Provenance

Presented to Leighton House Museum by Mrs. K. Graham in 1859 

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, p.178 catalogue number 149 

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 149 (exhibited on leather screen in large studio)