Study of a Female Head

• enlarge drawing

Drawing details

Title: Study of a Female Head
Date: c.1881-83
Media: Black and white chalk on brown paper
Dimensions: 31.1 x 21.4 cm
Location: Royal Library, Windsor
Picture credit: The Royal Collection (c) 2005, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Reference number: 13510
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "Study of a head" in pencil.

Interpretation

This drawing is similar to a drawing of a female head reproduced in the volume 'Drawings and Studies by the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A.', published by The Fine Art Society in 1898 (foreward by Samuel Pepys Cockerell), plate XXII, which was formerly owned by Marcus B. Huish, Director of the Fine Art Society. The two studies were almost certainly made at the same time. It may also relate to the paintings 'The Dance' (c.1881-83, Leighton House Museum), or 'Invocation' (c.1889, private collection).

Description

Study of a female head, turned to the right and looking upwards. The neck is twisted as though the body faces to the left. The lips are parted and the eyes look up and to the right with a troubled expression. The hair is tied up at the nape of the neck. 

 

Bibliography

• Millar, Delia 'The Victorian Watercolours and Drawings in the Collection of Her Majesty the Queen', Philip Wilson Publishers, London, 1995, p.542 (catalogue number 3335)