Studies for an Unidentified Project

Drawing details

Title: Studies for an Unidentified Project
Date: 1895-96
Media: Black and white chalk on grey-brown paper
Dimensions: 26.5 x 35.2 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 04/659
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower centre "Project last drawings" in pencil. Labelled on mount "(1) Study of a draped arm. Black chalk and bodycolour on paper on / grey paper. / (2) Study of a draped female figure, and two studies / of a nude female figure for "Flaming

Interpretation

Studies for this female figure, curled up and lying on the ground are also in the collections of Leighton House Museum and Bewdley Museum, Worcestershire (reference numbers LHO/D/0729 verso and 1974-370.6). It is inscribed "Project Last drawings", possibly by the Fine Art Society and may be an idea for a painting Leighton was developing just before his death in January 1896.

Description

Left of sheet: full-length study of a seated female figure, turned to the right. The lower half of the body faces the viewer. The upper half of the body is turned to the right. The hands hold the front and back edge of the bench or wall the figure sits on. The figure wears a long, loose fitting dress with short sleeves. Upper centre of sheet: full-length nude study of a female figure lying down. The figure lies on her left side, although the upper body twists away from the viewer. The right arm is curled over the top of the head. The left hand is raised to touch the right hand. The knees are bent up towards the chest. Lower right of sheet: an almost identical study of the previous nude female figure. 

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