Studies for 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to Peace': Girl

• enlarge drawing

Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to Peace': Girl
Date: c.1872-73
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 32.0 x 24.0 cm
Location: Dundee University Museum
Picture credit: University of Dundee Museums Services
Reference number: DUNUCARTS/76
Inscriptions: Signed lower right.

Interpretation

The two studies of a young girl for the painting 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to Peace' (1872-73, Victoria and Albert Museum) demonstrate Leighton's methodical practise of making nude and clothed studies for each figure in a work.

Description

Upper left of sheet: two full-length studies of the female child holding a mirror, seen to the right of the central group of women in the fresco 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to Peace' (1872-73, Victoria and Albert Museum). On the far left is a nude study and just to the right of this is a clothed version. Centre of sheet: full-length study of a female figure and female child. The female figure is shown in profile facing to the left with the left knee resting on a wooden chair before her. Her hair is tied back and she wears a long classical robe that hangs from the left shoulder. The left arm is raised to arrange the garments of a female child standing on the chair and facing her. The child also wears a long classical robe. To the right of this group the same two figures are shown seated in an armchair. The chair faces to the right but the two figures sit sideways, facing the viewer, with the child in front and the female figure behind, resting her chin on the child's left shoulder. Upper right of sheet: full-length study of a seated female figure. The figure wears a short-sleeved dress and sits on the ground with crossed-legs, facing to the right. The left arm rests on top of the legs and the right arm rests on the ground behind her and supports her weight as she leans back. Lower left of sheet: study of the previous female figure in a similar pose, but facing the viewer. To the right of this is a third study of the a female figure in a similar pose, but shown in profile, facing to the left. Lower centre of sheet: full length study of a child in classical dress, seated and facing the viewer with hands resting at either side of her. Lower right of sheet: full length study of a female figure in classical dress, turned slightly to the left and leaning back and to the right against an object that is not visible. The right arm is at her side and the left arm is bent and rests on the object, just above above waist height. 

Provenance

Sold through Christie's, London on 26 February 1923 (lot 43) for 2 guineas to private collector; presented to University College Dundee (now the University of Dundee) private collector in 1951 

Bibliography

• Jarron, Matthew, 'An Atmosphere of Culture: An Introduction to the Fine Art Collections of the University of Dundee', Perth Museum and Art Gallery, Perth, 2003, p.25 

Exhibition history

• June 2001 to October 2001, 'Life Lines: Drawings and Cartoons from the University Museum Collections', Dundee University Museum
• 13 April 2002 to 14 July 2002, 'Unknown Treasures: An Introduction to the Museum Collections', Verdant Works, Dundee
• 24 May 2003 to 21 June 2003, 'An Atmosphere of Culture: An Exhibition of Highlights from the University Art Collections', Perth Museum and Art Gallery