Study for 'The Daphnephoria': Male and Female Figures

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'The Daphnephoria': Male and Female Figures
Date: c.1875
Media: Pencil on tracing paper
Dimensions: 12.2 x 23.0 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 04/1102
Inscriptions: none

Interpretation

The three standing female figures carrying laurel branches are probably related to the chorus of women on the left but are also similar to the figure Leighton eventually used for the priest who leads the procession. This tracing is very similar to another drawing at the Royal Academy (reference number 04/1074).

Description

Five pencil tracings of standing figures for the painting 'The Daphnephoria' (1874-76, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight, Merseyside). The two male figures on the right are for the male figures carrying tripods seen at the left of the canvas. The other three studies are for standing female figures carrying laurel branches. 

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.163 (listed under catalogue number 237)