Study for 'Samson and Delilah': Delilah

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Samson and Delilah': Delilah
Date: c.1857
Media: Pencil and white chalk on tracing paper
Dimensions: 21.8 x 14.9 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 03/3964
Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse "No.103" in pen and ink, with a line through in pencil. Inscribed on the reverse "7" encircled, in pencil.

Interpretation

This drawing may be a study for the figure of Delilah from the painting 'Samson and Delilah' (c.1858, untraced) which Leighton sold in 1866. The whereabouts of this painting is now unknown. There are other studies for this figure at the Royal Academy (reference number 03/3963), and at Leighton House Museum (reference number LHO/D/0842).

Description

Half-length tracing of the upper torso of the figure of Delilah, with arms crossed, just left of centre in the painting 'Samson and Delilah' (c.1858, untraced) 

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); presented to the Royal Academy of Arts, London by Matthews and Orr in 1896