Study for 'The Triumph of Music': Drapery for Orpheus

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'The Triumph of Music': Drapery for Orpheus
Date: c.1855
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 40.0 x 27.8 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/1138
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower centre "Orpheus at the Court of Pluto" in pencil.

Interpretation

This drawings relates to a painting which is now untraced. The appearance of the painting is now only known from an oil sketch in the collection at Leighton House Museum, and two identified studies, this one, and a second in the collection of the Royal Academy (reference number 04/540). The figure of Orpheus, lightly indicated here, is drawn from a mature, bearded male figure, whereas a younger, clean shaven Orpheus is seen in the oil sketch.

Description

Drapery study for the left sleeve of the figure of the figure of Orpheus in the painting 'The Triumph of Music' (c.1855-56, untraced). The half-length figure of Opheus and the violin held in the left hand are also indicated. However, the right arm and the top of the head are not indicated. Lower right of sheet: drapery study for the same sleeve. Part of the left arm of Orpheus is also indicated. The figure of Orpheus is drawn from a mature, bearded male model, whereas a younger, clean shaven Orpheus is seen in the oil sketch from which the painting is known. 

Provenance

Collection of Leighton House Museum, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea