Study for 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...': Tapestry

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...': Tapestry
Date: c.1854
Media: Watercolour on white paper
Dimensions: 21.3 x 11.1 cm
Location: Victoria and Albert Museum
Picture credit: By Courtesy of the Board of Trustees of the Victoria and Albert Museum
Reference number: E.3800-1910

Interpretation

This was used in the finished painting as a reference for the fabric draped over the bier which the Madonna painting stands on.

Description

Study for the tapestry seen on the front of the bier (moveable frame) in the centre of the painting 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...' (c.1853-55, Royal Collection). The design shows a repetitive pattern incorporating birds and foliage. Below this are three flying birds, holding foliage, beneath which is a decorative border and then three images side by side of dogs fighting. Below the dogs there is another decorative border. 

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; 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.150 (listed under catalogue number 23)
• Staley, Edgcumbe, 'Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Walter Scott Publishing Company, London, 1906, p.228 

Exhibition history

• 06 November 2003 to 01 February 2004, 'The Canvas of Many Feet: Frederic Leighton in Rome, 1852-55', Leighton House Museum, London