Studies for 'Summer Moon' and 'Samson and Delilah': Male and Female Figures

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Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'Summer Moon' and 'Samson and Delilah': Male and Female Figures
Date: c.1871-72
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 31.9 x 24.0 cm
Location: Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford
Picture credit: Trustees of the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford
Reference number: P.184/P.M.54
Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse "Mr Knowles" and "Leyton" [sic].

Interpretation

It is not clear why there are two studies for two male figures on this sheet, which seem to relate to the painting 'Samson and Delilah' (c.1858, untraced). The other three drawings are much later in date and were probably made between 1870 and 1872.

Description

Upper left of sheet: full-length study for the two seated figures in the painting 'Summer Moon' (c.1872, private collection). Lower left of sheet: study for the same two figures, however in this version the head of the figure on the left, is further inclined to her left than in the finished work. Upper right of sheet: full-length study, apparently for the two figures on the centre of the painting 'Samson and Delilah' (c.1858, untraced). The painting is only known from a Royal Academy tracing for the composition (reference number 04/1184) which shows the collapsing figure falling to the right, whereas here, he falls to the left. Centre right of sheet: full-length study probably related to the painting 'A Sunny Corner' (c.1872, Sudley House, Liverpool). However this drawing differs from the painting as the woman faces to the right rather than the left, there is no drapery around head, she is shown seated in a high-backed armchair, and is less heavily draped. Lower right of sheet: full-length study for the two male figures on the centre of the painting 'Samson and Delilah' (c.1858, untraced). 

Provenance

Collection of James Knowles (architect and editor, 1831-1908); sold through Trafford Bank House, Manchester; collection of A. Morrison; The Wilton Gallery; purchased from The Wilton Gallery by the Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford in April 1958 

Bibliography

• Cockerell, Samuel Pepys (Foreward), 'Drawings and Studies by the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Fine Art Society, 1898, plate XII
• Joll, Evelyn 'Watercolours and Drawings' Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford
• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.129, plate 18
• Zatlin, Linda, 'Aubrey Beardsley and Victorian Sexual Politics', Clarendon Press / Oxford University Press, 1990, p.131