Study for 'Greek Girls Picking up Pebbles by the Sea': Male Figures

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Greek Girls Picking up Pebbles by the Sea': Male Figures
Date: c.1870
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 26.0 x 21.0 cm
Location: Victoria and Albert Museum
Picture credit: By Courtesy of the Board of Trustees of the Victoria and Albert Museum
Reference number: E.3804-1910
Inscriptions: Inscribed on reverse of mount "studies for girls picking up shells"

Interpretation

The figure at the lower left is shown from behind and is holding a sack with shells spilling out. The sack rests over the left shoulder and is supported by the left hand. The figure's left leg is in front of the right leg and the heel of the right foot is extended off the ground. The figure's head is turned slightly to his left. The figure at the lower right is in the same pose seen in profile, facing to the left.

Description

Upper left of sheet: full-length study for a male figure, in profile, facing to the right for the painting 'Greek Girls Picking up Pebbles by the Sea' (c.1871, private collection). The figure is bending forward with the left hand behind his back and the right hand reaching for something on the ground. Both legs are bent and the right leg is in front of the left leg. Lower left of sheet: full-length study for a male figure, with back to the viewer. The upper body is turned to the left. Fabric or a large sack appears to be draped over the right shoulder, and supported by the left arm, and something is spilling from it. Upper right of sheet: full-length study for a male figure, with back to the viewer, facing to the left. The pose is almost identical to the first figure, although he's viewed from a different angle. Lower right of sheet: full-length study for a male figure, facing to the left. The pose is almost identical to that of the second figure, viewed from a different angle. All four figures wear shorts (or rolled up trousers), a shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and have bare feet. 

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 H67, originally priced at ú4:4:0); 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

• Staley, Edgcumbe, 'Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', The Walter Scott Publishing Company, London, 1906, p.227