Studies for 'The Wise and Foolish Virgins': Christ, Architectural Details

Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'The Wise and Foolish Virgins': Christ, Architectural Details
Date: c.1863
Media: Pencil on tracing paper
Dimensions: 36.9 x 39.4 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 03/4630

Interpretation

These tracings relate to Leighton's fresco of 'The Wise and Foolish Virgins' (1862-64, St. Michael's Church, Lyndhurst). The architectural detail of an arch with a band across it relates to the two arches Leighton painted on either side of the main scene, in imitation of the real architecture of the church. It is not clear what the circular motif represents and this is not included in the finished fresco.

Description

Left of sheet: study of an arch of a church interior for the fresco 'The Wise and Foolish Virgins' (1862-64, St. Michael's Church, Lyndhurst). Lower centre of sheet: study of architectural details from the interior of a church for the same fresco. Right of sheet: study for the head and shoulders of the figure of Christ in the fresco. Lower right of sheet: study of a circular motif. 

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