Study for a Composition showing a Man Ploughing with Oxen

Drawing details

Title: Study for a Composition showing a Man Ploughing with Oxen
Date: 1863-64
Media: Black and white chalk on paper
Dimensions: 10.8 x 14.0 cm
Location: Victoria and Albert Museum
Picture credit: By Courtesy of the Board of Trustees of the Victoria and Albert Museum
Reference number: E.3796-1910

Interpretation

A tracing of this drawing is held at the Royal Academy (reference number 04/944). It may be an unused design for an illustration for 'Dalziel's Bible Gallery' (published 1880-81).

Description

Study for a composition showing a standing male figure, facing to the left. The figure stands in a field and rests his right hand on a spade or plough and the left hand on his hip. To his right two oxen, facing to the left and away from the viewer, pull the plough up a hill. 

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); purchased by the Fine Art Society; Fine Art Society reference number K28, originally priced at ú0:10:6; one of 55 drawings purchased by the Victoria and Albert Museum from the Fine Art Society for a total of ú135:18:0 (including a 10% discount) in 1896