Study of the Base of a Column, possibly used in the Design of the Narcissus Hall, Leighton House Museum

• enlarge drawing

Drawing details

Title: Study of the Base of a Column, possibly used in the Design of the Narcissus Hall, Leighton House Museum
Date: c.1872-73
Media: Silverpoint on paper
Dimensions: 12.3 x 7.2 cm
Location: Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University
Picture credit: Courtesy of the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University Art Museums, Friends of the Fogg Art Museum Fund
Reference number: 1946.35.47

Interpretation

There is a break in this drawing, as if the actual columns were taller and have been condensed. However, the proportions are almost identical to the columns at Leighton House Museum. This suggests the sketch is a copy of a column elsewhere, which inspired those in the new extensions to the artist's home. The Narcissus Hall was built by Leighton between 1877 and 1881.

Description

Page from a sketchbook. Study, very similar to the base of the columns around the Narcissus Hall at Leighton House Museum. 

Provenance

Purchased by the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, from Geoffrey Steele (antiquarian bookseller, c.1907-2000) from his bookshop at RFD 1, Mahopac, New York, in 1946 for $6.00.