Study for 'Venus and Cupid': Venus

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Venus and Cupid': Venus
Date: c.1855
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 40.9 x 21.0 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 04/646
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower left "10" (encircled) in pencil. Inscribed lower right "Study for a Venus" in pencil.

Interpretation

The pose of this female figure is similar to that of the main figure in 'Venus and Cupid' (c.1856, private collection) and this drawing is probably an early idea for the work.

Description

Full-length nude study for the figure of Venus in the painting 'Venus and Cupid' (c.1856, private collection). The arms appear to be raised above the head, although the head and arms are not indicated. 

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