Study for 'Jezebel and Ahab': Head of Elijah

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Jezebel and Ahab': Head of Elijah
Date: c.1862
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 22.5 x 28.5 cm
Location: Tate Britain, London
Reference number: T08208
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "Study of a Head: for the Dante" in pencil. Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on the reverse "N86" encircled, in pencil.

Interpretation

The model for this drawings was Fanny Kemble (actress, 1809-1893). Kemble was the sister Leighton's great friend Mrs Adelaide Sartoris, nTe Kemble, (singer and writer, 1815-1879).

Description

Study for the head of Elijah in the painting 'Jezebel and Ahab' (c.1863, Scarborough Art Gallery), facing the viewer. The model's hair is covered by a cloth and the expression is stern. 

 

Bibliography

• Lyles, Anne and Hamlyn, Robin 'British Watercolours from the OppT Collection', Tate Gallery Publishing, London, 1997, p.234-235 catalogue number 100 (illustrated) 

Exhibition history

• 10 September 1997 to 30 November 1997, 'British Watercolours from the OppT Collection', Tate Britain, London, cat: 100.