Studies for 'Captive Andromache': Male and Female Figures

Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'Captive Andromache': Male and Female Figures
Date: 1886-87
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 24.0 x 32.4 cm
Location: The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester
Picture credit: The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester
Reference number: D.1915.16

Description

Left of sheet: full-length nude study of a standing female figure, with back to the viewer. This study may relate to the standing figure in a brown skirt and white blouse to the far left hand side of the painting 'Captive Andromache' (c.1888, Manchester Art Gallery). The figure has the left arm resting on top of her head. The right arm is raised so that the fingers of each hand are interlocked. In the finished painting this figure faces the viewer and rests the right arm across the top of the head, holding a pitcher in the right hand and skirt in the left hand. Right of sheet: three-quarter length nude study for the male figure in the centre foreground of the painting 'Captive Andromache'. This figure stands with back to the viewer, holding a crook across his back. The drawing differs from the finished painting in that the figure faces to the right and has drapery hanging from the left side of the crook and the right arm. In the final picture, the figure is turned to the left and drapery hangs from the right arm only. The hair is also fuller and curlier than in the final painting. 

Provenance

Presented to the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, by E. A. Knight in 1915 

Bibliography

• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.169 (listed under catalogue number 334)