Study for 'Twixt Hope and Fear': Female Figure

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Twixt Hope and Fear': Female Figure
Date: c.1895
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 34.4 x 25.2 cm
Location: The British Museum, London
Picture credit: The Trustees of The British Museum, London
Reference number: 1897,0512.12

Interpretation

Leighton allowed this drawing to be reproduced in 1895 for the review of 'The Royal Academy Exhibition' in 'The Magazine of Art' (p.241). The painting was included in the exhibition and this drawing may also have been exhibited.

Description

Half-length study of the female figure in the painting 'Twixt Hope and Fear' (c.1895, private collection). The pose of the drawing is very like the painting, although the figure looks down, rather than directly at the viewer. 

Provenance

Bequeathed by the artist to his sisters, Mrs. Augusta Matthews (nTe Augusta Neunburg Leighton, 1835-1919) and Mrs. Alexandra Orr (nTe Alexandra Leighton, 1828-1903); purchased by the Fine Art Society in 1896; purchased from the Fine Art Society by The British Museum, London in 1897 (with 30 others drawings for a total of ú300) 

Bibliography

• The Magazine of Art', 1895, illustrated on p.241
• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.173 (listed under catalogue number 391)
• Staley, Edgcumbe, 'Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Walter Scott Publishing Co., London, 1906, p.225 

Exhibition history

• 1901, 'Exhibition of Drawings and Sketches', The British Museum, London, catalogue number B 267