Studies for 'Hercules Wrestling with Death for the Body of Alcestis': Hercules

Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'Hercules Wrestling with Death for the Body of Alcestis': Hercules
Date: c.1870
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 22.5 x 30.2 cm
Location: Victoria and Albert Museum
Picture credit: By Courtesy of the Board of Trustees of the Victoria and Albert Museum
Reference number: 732-1896
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "Alcestis ú1.11.6". Inscribed on reverse, centre "C15" encircled.

Description

Left of sheet: half-length study for the lower half of the figure of Death for the painting 'Hercules Wrestling with Death for the Body of Alcestis' (c.1869-71, Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford). Right of sheet: half-length study of Hercules holding the wrist of Death above him for the same 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); purchased by the Fine Art Society (Fine Art Society reference number C15, originally priced at ú1:11:6); 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. 

Bibliography

• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.160 (listed under catalogue number 193)
• Staley, Edgcumbe, 'Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Walter Scott Publishing Company, London, 1906, p.227