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

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...': Hands
Date: c.1854
Media: Pencil on white paper
Dimensions: 30.0 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: E.1842-1910
Inscriptions: Inscribed "Lorenza. Roma" in the artist's hand. Monographed "FL" in the artist's hand.

Interpretation

Two of the three drawings on this sheet are for the hands of the female singer at the front of the group of musicians. Her right hand holds the musical score she shares with her male colleague.

Description

Study of three hands for the painting 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...' (c.1853-55, Royal Collection). 

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 O84, originally priced at ú3:3:0); 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

• 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.226 

Exhibition history

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