Study for 'The Antique Juggling Girl': Composition

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'The Antique Juggling Girl': Composition
Date: c.1872
Media: Pencil on tracing paper
Dimensions: 19.6 x 15.0 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 04/701

Interpretation

The background of this drawing is based on the painting 'Garden of Generalife, Granada' (c.1873, private collection), which was later used as the background for another painting, 'Moorish Garden; a Dream of Granada' (c.1874). For the finished version of 'The Antique Juggling Girl' (c.1873, private collection) Leighton placed the figure in front of a large mirror.

Description

Traced study for the composition of the painting 'The Antique Juggling Girl' (c.1873, private collection). The pose of the female figure is in a very similar figure to the finished work. However, the background differs almost entirely. Here, the figure stands under an arch at the end of an avenue, whereas in the finished painting she stands in front of a flat panel flanked by trees. The drawing is squared up. 

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.161 (listed under catalogue number 210)