Study for 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to War': Male Head

Drawing details

Title: Study for 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to War': Male Head
Date: c.1870-72
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 20.5 x 18.0 cm
Location: MusTe du Louvre, Paris
Picture credit: MusTe du Louvre, Paris
Reference number: RF 6149

Interpretation

Richard Ormond notes that there are few examples of studies of heads for this fresco, however, "those which do survive are vigorous and striking". He also suggests that this study might be influenced by the work of the Florentine painter, Masaccio (1401-1428). In December 1893, it was reported in 'The Times' that this and one other Leighton drawing were now in the collection of the 'Luxembourg Gallery'. The MusTe du Luxembourg later closed and the Leighton drawings were eventually transferred to the Louvre in Paris. [see: 'The Times', Saturday, 30 December 1893, p.5, issue 34148, column C; Ormond, Richard, 'Leighton's Frescoes in the Victoria and Albert Museum' W. & J. Mackay Ltd., Chatham, 1975, p.36]

Description

Study for the head of the male figure in a pale coloured headdress, immediately left of the central archway in the fresco 'The Arts of Industry as Applied to War' (1878-80, Victoria and Albert Museum). 

Provenance

Presented to the MusTe du Luxembourg, by Edwin Marriott Hodgkins (antiques dealer), in 1911; transferred to the MusTe du Louvre, Paris 

Bibliography

• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.160
• Ormond, Richard, 'Leighton's Frescoes in the Victoria and Albert Museum' W. and J. Mackay Ltd., Chatham, 1975, plate 12, p.12, 36
• 'The Times', Saturday, 30 December 1893, p.5, issue 34148, column C