Studies for the 'Royal Academy Jubilee Address': Female Figures

Drawing details

Title: Studies for the 'Royal Academy Jubilee Address': Female Figures
Date: 1887
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 28.1 x 37.0 cm
Location: National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin
Picture credit: National Gallery of Ireland
Reference number: 3216

Interpretation

The study to the left of the drawing is probably an early idea for the figure to the left of the design for the Address. However, this drawing may have been referred when Leighton was working on the painting 'The Last Watch of Hero' (c.1887, Manchester Art Gallery), as the drapery and pose are also similar to the figure in this work and both were made at around the same date. 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

Left of sheet: full-length drapery study for a female figure seen to the left of the design for the cover of the 'Royal Academy Jubilee Address' to Queen Victoria (1887, Royal Collection). The figure stands facing the viewer with her weight on her left leg. The right leg is crossed in front of the left. The figure is in classical dress that is tied around the waist. The left arm is held up and out to the side, and the right arm held out with the forearm bent in towards her. Centre of sheet: drapery study for the drapery falling from the head and right arm of the figure on the far right hand side of the design for the reverse of the 'Address'. Right of sheet: full-length drapery study for the same figure. This study shows the drapery not included in the study to its immediate left, therefore all the drapery covering the body is shown excluding that covering the head and the right arm. The left arm is lightly indicated. 

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 L71); purchased from the Fine Art Society by Walter Armstrong, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, on behalf of the Gallery for ú10:10:0 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.473