Studies for 'Captive Andromache': Male Figures

Drawing details

Title: Studies for 'Captive Andromache': Male Figures
Date: 1886-87
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 24.1 x 32.7 cm
Location: The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester
Picture credit: The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester
Reference number: D.1960.103
Inscriptions: Stamped lower left "LLC" encircled, in ink.

Description

Far left of sheet: faint sketch, possibly a figure study. Upper left of sheet: half-length nude study for the male figure holding a crook with back to the viewer, in the centre foreground of the painting 'Captive Andromache' (c.1888, Manchester Art Gallery). The pose is similar to the finished painting although the crook is held more horizontally than in the completed work. Also the right arm is held closer to the body. Lower left of sheet: rough half-length study for the two male figures in the centre foreground of the painting 'Captive Andromache'. Centre of sheet: full-length nude study for the male figure holding a crook, with back to the viewer, in the centre foreground of the painting. In this drawing the figure's back completely faces the viewer, whereas in the finished painting he is turned to the left. Also the crook is at at different angle to the finished work. Right of sheet: three-quarter length nude study for the same male figure with a crook in a similar pose to the completed painting although the right hand is further from the body. 

Provenance

Bequeathed 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 in 1896; presented to the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, by the History of Art Department, Manchester University, in 1960 

Bibliography

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