Studies for 'Solitude', 'Farewell!', 'Rizpah', 'Invocation', and 'The Jealousy of Simoetha the Sorceress'

Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'Solitude', 'Farewell!', 'Rizpah', 'Invocation', and 'The Jealousy of Simoetha the Sorceress'
Date: 1887-93
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 23.2 x 32.7 cm
Location: National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa
Reference number: 4461
Inscriptions: Stamped, lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse "J.36" encircled, in pencil.

Description

Nine small compositional sketches of various paintings. The sketch at the upper left of the sheet is possibly for 'Flaming June'. To the right of this is a study for the painting 'Solitude'. Directly following that on the right is a study for the painting 'Invocation'. To the right of that is a study which may show a mirror image of the painting 'The Jealousy of Simoetha the Sorceress'. On the far left of the sheet, below the sketch for 'Flaming June' is a possible study for the composition for the painting 'The Bath of Psyche' which does not have the same proportions as the finished work, but is taller and more narrow. Directly next to that on the right is a sketch of 'Farewell'. To the right study for 'Rizpah.' On the far right of the sheet is a compositional study for an unidentified painting. 

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.169, 170, 172 

Exhibition history

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