Study for Decorative Panels for No.44 Belgrave Square, London

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Drawing details

Title: Study for Decorative Panels for No.44 Belgrave Square, London
Date: c.1870
Media: Pencil on tracing paper
Dimensions: 17.2 x 14.8 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 04/1185
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "No 117" in pen and ink.

Interpretation

Leighton's three paintings showing classical figures for the interior of No.44 Belgrave Square were auctioned through Christie's on 07 June 1996 (lot 569, 'Victorian Pictures, Drawings and Watercolours') and are now privately owned. They were designed as part of a scheme of interior decoration by Leighton's friend George Aitchison (architect, 1825-1910). Aitchison included sketches of Leighton's designs in a drawing for an elevation of the interior now in the collection of the Royal Institute of British Architects Drawings Collection, (reference number SB93/1).

Description

Traced study for the mural decoration of the staircase at No.44 Belgrave Square. This tracing shows three figures in arched niches, with the frieze of birds above and a landing above that. 

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