Study for 'Return of Persephone': Persephone and Demeter

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Return of Persephone': Persephone and Demeter
Date: c.1891
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 28.5 x 36.3 cm
Location: Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Picture credit: Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Reference number: WA1961.44
Inscriptions: Inscribed, lower left "Return of Persephone" in pencil. Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on mount, lower centre "FREDERIC, LORD LEIGHTON" in brown ink. Inscribed on mount, lower right "PURCHASED 1961." in brown ink. Inscrib

Interpretation

The study on the left shows Leighton establishing the relationship between the figures of Demeter and Persephone. On the right is a more confident nude study for the figure of Persephone.

Description

Left of sheet: full-length nude study for the figures of Persephone and Demeter seen to the right of the painting 'Return of Persephone' (c.1891, Leeds Museums and Galleries). The figures are faintly drawn, but appear to be in the same pose as the painting, although the head of Demeter is turned further to the left. Right of sheet: full-length nude study for the figure of Persephone. 

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; Maas Gallery; purchased by the Ashmolean Museum in 1961 

Bibliography

• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.171 (listed under catalogue number 360)