Studies for 'The Garden of Hesperides': Female Figures, Composition

Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'The Garden of Hesperides': Female Figures, Composition
Date: c.1892
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 20.2 x 28.7 cm
Location: National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa
Reference number: 4458
Inscriptions: Inscribed "Garden of the Hesperides", in pencil. Stamped, lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse "A67" encircled, in pencil.

Interpretation

These early studies for the composition of the painting suggest that Leighton considered using a square canvas, before deciding on the round shape used for the finished painting.

Description

Along the top of the sheet are three small figure studies. Below these is a row of three studies for the composition of the painting 'The Garden of Hesperides' (c.1892, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight). The study on the left is drawn within a circle. Lower left of sheet: study for the group of three female figures in the painting. Lower right of sheet: study for the composition. 

Provenance

Collection of Mrs. Emilie Isabel (Russell) Barrington (author and painter, 1844-1933); sold by Sotheby's in London on 1 December 1937 (lot 21); one of 12 drawings purchased for ú6 by F. R. Meatyard (dealer, fl. 1937-1954), six of the drawings (including this one) were sold for ú3 plus 10% commission to the National Gallery of Canada, with Paul OppT (scholar and collector) acting as agent in 1937 

Bibliography

• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.171, plate 187 

Exhibition history

• December 1896, 'The Studies in Black and White of the Late Lord Leighton, P.R.A.', Fine Art Society, London