Study for the Tomb of Elizabeth Barrett Browning: Decorative Details

Drawing details

Title: Study for the Tomb of Elizabeth Barrett Browning: Decorative Details
Date: 1861
Media: Black chalk and bodycolour on white paper
Dimensions: 22.2 x 27.6 cm
Location: Victoria and Albert Museum
Picture credit: By Courtesy of the Board of Trustees of the Victoria and Albert Museum
Reference number: E.3809-1910

Interpretation

The Tomb of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (poet, 1806-1861) is within the English cemetery at Piazzale Donatello, Florence, Italy.

Description

Upper left of sheet: designs for decorative details for the tomb of Mrs. Browning (1861, Florence). Left of sheet: design drawing showing the front elevation of the tomb. To the far left a standing, cloaked figure is sketched in outline, stepping up to the tomb. Only the right side of the figure is seen. Right of sheet: design for the side elevation of the tomb. 

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.180
• 'Exhibition of Works by the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton President of the Royal Academy: Winter Exhibition', Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1897, p.43 catalogue number 226(3)
• 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 226(3)