Studies for 'Perseus and Andromeda', 'Greek Girls Playing at Ball', 'The Garden of the Hesperides' : Compositions, Figures

Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'Perseus and Andromeda', 'Greek Girls Playing at Ball', 'The Garden of the Hesperides' : Compositions, Figures
Date: c.1889
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 36.9 x 27.5 cm
Location: National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa
Reference number: 4462
Inscriptions: Stamped, lower left "LLC" encircled, in black ink. Inscribed on reverse "F62" encircled, in pencil. Inscribed on reverse of old mount (now removed) "Mrs. Barrington".

Description

The top of this sheet is dominated by various figure studies, including three of flying figures and two of a draped female figure with the arm extended. Upper centre of sheet: possibly a study for the composition of the painting 'Flaming June'. Just below that on the left is a study for the composition of the painting 'Perseus and Andromeda' (c.1891, Walker Art Gallery). Directly to the right of that study is a study for the composition of the painting 'Greek Girls Playing at Ball' (c.1889, Dick Institute, Kilmarnock). Below that study and to the left is a study for the composition of the painting 'The Garden of the Hesperides'. More figure studies, including studies of flowers, dominate the bottom of the sheet. 

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); purchased from Meatyard by the National Gallery of Canada, as one of six drawings, for ú3 plus 10% commission, 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, 171 

Exhibition history

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