Studies for 'Helen of Troy', 'Captive Andromache', 'The Family of Darius before Alexander', 'David' and an illustration for Dalziel's Bible Gallery: 'Moses Views the Promised Land', Compositions

Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'Helen of Troy', 'Captive Andromache', 'The Family of Darius before Alexander', 'David' and an illustration for Dalziel's Bible Gallery: 'Moses Views the Promised Land', Compositions
Date: c.1865
Media: Pencil and black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 22.5 x 28.7 cm
Location: Tate Britain, London
Reference number: T09063
Inscriptions: Stamped, lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on the reverse "K48" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on the reverse "L / I /".

Interpretation

This sheet shows studies for the compositions of several of Leighton's finished paintings and one book illustration.. Why he drew so many compositions together on one sheet is not known.

Description

Upper left of sheet: studies for the compositions of the painting 'David' (c.1865, private collection) and the illustration 'Moses Views the Promised Land', an illustration for Dalziel's Bible Gallery. Upper right of sheet: study for the composition of the project 'Alexander Visiting the House of Darius'. Upper centre of sheet: study for the composition of the painting 'Captive Andromache' (c.1888, Manchester Art Gallery). Below this is a sketch for figures in 'Alexander Visiting the House of Darius'. Centre right of sheet: two studies for the composition of the painting 'Helen of Troy' (c.1865, private collection). Lower left sheet: studies for groups of figures for 'Captive Andromache'. Lower right of sheet: studies for groups of figures for 'Captive Andromache'. Lower centre of sheet: study for the composition of 'Captive Andromache'.