Study for 'Captive Andromache': Composition

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Captive Andromache': Composition
Date: c.1887
Media: Pencil on tracing paper
Dimensions: 19.8 x 39.1 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 04/1154
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower centre "Andromache 1886 No. 119" in pen and ink.

Interpretation

The presence of a larger number of figures in this tracing indicates that Leighton pared down the composition for the final painting. Another tracing for the composition, in Leighton House Museum, shows a slightly later stage of the picture's development, including Andromache in the pose used in the finished work (reference number LHO/D/0663).

Description

Outline Traced study for the composition of the painting 'Captive Andromache' (c.1888, Manchester Art Gallery). This tracing differs from the composition of the finished oil painting. There are a number of horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines lightly drawn over the tracing which Leighton used to work out the perspective of the picture. The tracing shows the figure of Andromache facing the viewer whereas in the finished painting, she is shown in profile, facing to the right. In the tracing there are two extra figures at the well to the right, another two carrying water on the left, and two small figures looking over a wall in the distance. The tracing also omits the female figure immediately to the left of Andromache. 

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.169 (listed under catalogue number 334)