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

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...': Male Figure
Date: c.1854
Media: Black chalk and bodycolour on white paper
Dimensions: 41.3 x 27.3 cm
Location: Victoria and Albert Museum
Picture credit: By Courtesy of the Board of Trustees of the Victoria and Albert Museum
Reference number: E.1846-1910

Description

Study for the figure seen just behind the painting in the finished work 'Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna...' (c.1853-55, Royal Collection). He stands in profile, facing to the left. The figure's left hand is behind his back and tucked beneath the fabric of the coat he wears. The left leg is slightly in front of the right. The upper body is leaning slightly forward. He wears a long tunic, a long coat, pointed shoes and a cap. 

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 R6, 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

• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.150 (listed under catalogue number 23)
• 'Exhibition of Works by the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton President of the Royal Academy: Winter Exhibition', Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1897, p.41 catalogue number 206(2) 

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 206(2)