Study of a Seated Female Figure

Drawing details

Title: Study of a Seated Female Figure
Date: c.1883-85
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 20.3 x 14.4 cm
Location: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Picture credit: Mr. and Mrs. Howard H. Hayes Jr.
Reference number: M.76.32
Inscriptions: Inscribed on the reverse "from the / studio of Val Prinsep".

Interpretation

This is not obviously a study for a painting, but it is similar in pose to the seated female figure to the right of the painting 'Music' (c.1883-85, Leighton House Museum). However, in this drawing she faces to the right, whereas in the painting, the figure faces to the left, but the two have similar faces and hair and may well be drawn from the same model. The chair is a klismos (an ancient Greek style of chair), which Leighton owned. This drawing was once owned by Valentine Cameron (Val) Prinsep (painter and Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1838-1904), the next door neighbour and friend of Leighton.

Description

Half-length study of a seated female figure, in profile, facing to the right. She is slumped in the chair and her shoulders rest against the back-rest. The right arm is seen by the figure's side and the head is bowed forward. She is in classical dress, which is gathered at the shoulder. Her long curly, frizzy hair is tied up. The back-rest of the chair is also drawn. 

Provenance

Collection of Valentine Cameron (Val) Prinsep (painter and Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1838-1904); Schaeffer Galleries, New York; collection of Mr. and Mrs. Howard H. Hayes Jr.; presented to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art by Mr. and Mrs. Hayes Jr.