Sketchbook including Damascus

Drawing details

Title: Sketchbook including Damascus
Date: c.1875
Media: Pencil on white paper, leather binding
Dimensions: 13.0 cm x 8.2 cm cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 06/1277
Inscriptions: Includes the inscription: "1st stage - breadth simplicity construction 2nd - light fresh vividness colour. 3rd glaze depth everything." [see Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.122]

Interpretation

The studies of a Mimbar and hanging lamp in this sketchbook were used for the painting 'Portions of the Interior of the Grand Mosque of Damascus' (c.1873-75, Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston). Also, notes made in this book refer to Leighton's theories on the process of painting. Leighton has also made notes on tachnioques of paining in this book.

Description

Includes the following studies: f.1r - study of a figure carrying a heavy load; f.1v - study of a ceiling or floor; f.3v - studies of female figures; f.6v - studies of an arch and a column; f.7v - study of a chandelier in the Great Mosque; etc.