Study of a Male Figure

Drawing details

Title: Study of a Male Figure
Date: c.1862
Media: Black chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 42.0 x 19.2 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 04/524
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower left "24" encircled, in pencil.

Interpretation

This drawing may be related to the figure on the right of Leighton's illustration entitled 'A Dangerous Colleague' for George Eliot's 'Romola' (published in the 'Cornhill Magazine' in 1862-63). The figure in the Romola illustration faces the viewer, however both hold an index finger to their lips.

Description

Full-length nude study for a male figure standing in contrapposto (the non-symmetrical, relaxed stance used in Greek sculpture). The lower part of the figure faces to the left, the shoulders are in profile facing left, and the head is turned so that the back is to the viewer. The fore-finger of the left hand is raised to the lips. 

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