Study for 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...': Male Figure

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...': Male Figure
Date: c.1854
Media: Black chalk, watercolour and bodycolour on blue paper
Dimensions: 25.0 x 19.3 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 04/635
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower left "32" encircled, in pencil.

Interpretation

This figure may be a study for the figure on the left of the painting wearing gold with a black band across his chest. It has also been suggested that it could be for the pall-bearer wearing a yellow robe to the right of the painting 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...' (c.1853-55, Royal Collection).

Description

Half-length study of a male figure, possibly the figure wearing gold with a black band across his chest, to the left of the painting 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...' (c.1853-55, Royal Collection). The right arm is raised to shoulder height, but cut off at the elbow by the edge of the paper. The left arm is held at 45 degrees to the body. The head, shoulders, chest and right side of the torso are in watercolour, the rest of the body is in pencil outline only. 

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