Study of a Girl

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Drawing details

Title: Study of a Girl
Date: 1893
Media: Black and white chalk on grey-brown wove paper
Dimensions: 36.3 x 27.5 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/1037
Inscriptions: Signed and dated lower right "Fred Leighton / 1893" in black chalk.

Interpretation

This drawing is unusual as Frederic Leighton rarely signed or dated drawings in 1893. The inscriptions almost certainly indicate that this drawing was intended to be a gift, probably to the parents of the child. This may be the same child seen in the painting 'Wide Wondering Eyes' (c.1895, private collection).

Description

Half-length study of a female child, turned to the left. The head is inclined towards the viewer and the eyes look down or are closed. The hands are held at waist height in front of her and close to the body. The hair is short and curly or wavy. Drapery is wrapped around the head. The child appears to wear a sleeveless garment with a wide sash wrapped around the waist. The head and neck are clearly indicated, but the rest of the figure is only lightly drawn. 

Provenance

Presented to Leighton House Museum by Mrs. Campbell by 1926 

Bibliography

• Ormond, Leon+e and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.173 (listed under catalogue number 392)