Study for 'The Fisherman and the Syren': Composition

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'The Fisherman and the Syren': Composition
Date: c.1857
Media: Pencil on tracing paper
Dimensions: 12.7 x 8.1 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 04/1166
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower centre "1858 / The Mermaid" in pencil.

Interpretation

This is the only study for this early painting known to survive.

Description

Traced study for the composition of the painting 'The Fisherman and the Syren' (c.1856-58, Bristol Museums and Art Gallery). The tracing differs from the finished painting in that here the body of the mermaid is considerably smaller than that of the fisherman, whereas in the finished painting the two are closer in size. 

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 

Bibliography

• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.151 (listed under catalogue number 37)