Study for 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...': Male Head

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...': Male Head
Date: 1853
Media: Pencil on white paper
Dimensions: 26.4 x 19.4 cm
Location: Victoria and Albert Museum
Picture credit: By Courtesy of the Board of Trustees of the Victoria and Albert Museum
Reference number: 773-1896
Inscriptions: Monographed and dated "18 FL 53" in pencil. Inscribed "Stefano, Roma" in pencil in the artist's hand.

Interpretation

This may be a study for the face of the bearded figure immediately behind the painting in the procession and dressed in green.

Description

Study of a male head for the painting 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...' (c.1853-55, Royal Collection). The figure faces to the right, although the neck is twisted as if the body is facing left. He has a beard and moustache and short curly hair. The collar of his shirt or tunic and his cap are lightly sketched in. 

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.227