Studies of a Nun and a Centaur, Lapith and Female Figure

Drawing details

Title: Studies of a Nun and a Centaur, Lapith and Female Figure
Date: 1852-55
Media: Black chalk on white paper
Dimensions: 36.8 x 22.9 cm
Location: Victoria and Albert Museum
Picture credit: By Courtesy of the Board of Trustees of the Victoria and Albert Museum
Reference number: 743-1896
Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse in lower right "N24" encircled in pencil. Inscribed on reverse, lower right "Somiacio"in pencil.

Description

Three-quarter length view of a nun. Upper right of sheet: study for a composition showing a centaur trying to carry off a female figure while a male figure tries to save her. 

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 N24, originally priced at ú0:10:0); 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

• 'Exhibition of Works by the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton President of the Royal Academy: Winter Exhibition', Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1897, p.44 catalogue number 237
• Staley, Edgcumbe, 'Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Walter Scott Publishing Company, London, 1906, p.227 

Exhibition history

• 04 January 1897 to 13 March 1897, 'Exhibition of Works by the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton, President of the Royal Academy: Winter Exhibition', Royal Academy of Arts, London, catalogue number 237