Study of an Arm

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Drawing details

Title: Study of an Arm
Date: c.1857
Media: Black chalk and bodycolour on blue paper
Dimensions: 45.0 x 29.2 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 04/660
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower centre "Early study" in pencil.

Interpretation

This drawing may be a study for Delilah, seen just to the right of the painting 'Samson and Delilah' (c.1858, untraced). The drapery is not unlike drapery which can just be made out in the tracing of the composition for the painting, also at the Royal Academy (reference number 04/1184) and the shoulder and arm appear to be at the a similar angle to the those of Delilah.

Description

Study of a right upper arm draped in an elaborate classical sleeve which hangs some distance below the elbow. A sloping shoulder is also just seen as well as the elbow and part of the forearm which is lifted up towards the body. 

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