Studies for the 'Design for the Reverse of the Jubilee Medal': Female Figures

Drawing details

Title: Studies for the 'Design for the Reverse of the Jubilee Medal': Female Figures
Date: 1887
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 28.0 x 36.9 cm
Location: National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin
Picture credit: National Gallery of Ireland
Reference number: 3214

Interpretation

Walter Armstrong, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, travelled to London to select Leighton drawings from the Fine Art Society sale after Leighton's death in March or April 1897. He selected five drawings and purchased them for a total ú59 including a discount of ú2:19:0.

Description

To the left of the sheet is a drapery study for the female figure on the far right of the design for the medal. The head, left hand and forearm are also lightly sketched in. In the centre of the sheet is a nude study for the third standing female figure from the left of the medal. To the right of the sheet is a drapery study for the same figure. 

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 (Fine Art Society reference number ?); purchased from the Fine Art Society by Walter Armstrong, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, on behalf of the Gallery for ú?:?:0 in March or April of 1897 

Bibliography

• Potterton, Homan (introduction), National Gallery of Ireland Illustrated Summary Catalogue of Drawings, Watercolours and Miniatures, National Gallery of Ireland Publications, 1983, illustrated p.472