Study for 'Samson and Delilah': Delilah

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Samson and Delilah': Delilah
Date: c.1857
Media: Pencil on tracing paper
Dimensions: 31.2 x 23.8 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 03/3963

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

Three quarter length tracing of the lower part of the figure of Delilah, with arms crossed, just left of centre in the painting 'Samson and Delilah' (c.1858, untraced). The head and shoulders are not indicated and only the lower outline of the arms is seen. 

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