Study for 'The Reconciliation of the Montagues and Capulets...': Romeo and Juliet

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'The Reconciliation of the Montagues and Capulets...': Romeo and Juliet
Date: c.1854
Media: Black chalk and bodycolour on paper
Dimensions: 44.0 x 57.5 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 04/499
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "Study for Romeo and Juliet" in pencil. Inscribed lower left "41" encircled, in pencil. Watermarked "P.M."

Interpretation

The head of Vicenzo, a young Roman model, was substituted for the head of the older male model seen in this drawing (see Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975).

Description

Nude study of the entwined bodies of Romeo and Juliet for the painting 'The Reconciliation of the Montagues and the Capulets...' (c.1853-55, private collection). The pose shown here is almost identical to the one Leighton used in the painting. 

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 

Bibliography

• Important British Art', Christie's London, 27/11/2002, lot 21, p.124, fig.7