Studies for 'The Dance': Female Figure Dancing

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Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'The Dance': Female Figure Dancing
Date: c.1881-83
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 28.0 x 36.4 cm
Location: The William Morris Gallery, London
Picture credit: The William Morris Gallery, London
Reference number: Br D 26
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower centre "Projects" in pencil. Stamped lower "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse, centre "J96" encircled, in pencil.

Description

Left of sheet: full-length study for the dancing female figure, fifth from the right in the painting 'The Dance' (c.1881-83, Leighton House Museum). The figure is shown from behind. Centre of sheet: full-length for the same figure, viewed in three-quarter perspective from behind, turned to the right. Right of sheet: three-quarter length study for the same figure, turned to the left. This study is similar to the pose used in the final painting. Extreme right of sheet: three-quarter length study for the same figure, turned to the left. 

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 J96); purchased from the Fine Art Society by Douglas W. Freshfield for ú12:12:0 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

• Cockerell, Samuel Pepys (Forward), 'Catalogue of a Collection of Studies for Pictures, Designs and Sketches by the Late Lord Leighton, P.R.A.', The Fine Art Society, London, 1896, p.25 catalogue number 165
• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.169 (listed under catalogue number 334) 

Exhibition history

• December 1896 to 1897, 'Designs and Sketches by the Late Lord Leighton P.R.A.', The Fine Art Society, London, catalogue number 165
• 1935, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool