Study for 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to War': Female Figures Sewing

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to War': Female Figures Sewing
Date: 1870-72
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 23.8 x 32.5 cm
Location: The William Morris Gallery, London
Picture credit: The William Morris Gallery, London
Reference number: Br D 30
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "Arts of War. S. Kensington" in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, centre "M65" encircled, in pencil.

Interpretation

In this drawing the figures are in classical costume, whereas in the finished work they are shown in medieval dress.

Description

Upper left of sheet: two studies for the seated female figure sewing, seen to the lower left of the fresco 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to War' (1878-80, Victoria and Albert Museum). In both studies the figure is seen from behind, with the right arm extended at right angles from the body. These figures are similar to, but not the same, as the group at the lower left of the fresco 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to War'. Upper right of sheet: full-length view of a female figure, seated on the ground, turned to the right, with her right arm extended at right angles to her body. Lower left of sheet: full-length study of a kneeling figure, facing the viewer and holding the right hand to her breast. The pose is similar to the kneeling female figure at the lower left in the foreground of the finished work. Lower centre of sheet: full-length study of a female figure seated on the ground, viewed in profile, facing to the right. The figure is kneeling with the face turned away from the viewer and the right hand raised to head height. Lower right corner of sheet: full-length study of a female figure, kneeling and facing the viewer, with arms resting by her side and body leaning to the right. All the figures are in classical dress. 

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 M65); purchased from the Fine Art Society by Douglas W. Freshfield for ú8:8:0 on 14 May 1897; Barbizon House (private gallery); Sir Frank Brangwyn, painter, (1867-1956); presented to The William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow, by Sir Frank Brangwyn in 1935 

Bibliography

• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.160 (listed under catalogue number 194) 

Exhibition history

• 04 January 1897 to 13 March 1897, 'Exhibition of Works be the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton President of the Royal Academy: Winter Exhibition', The Royal Academy of Arts, London, catalogue number 224
• 1935, The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool