'The Sluggard'

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Painting details

Title: 'The Sluggard'
Date: c.1882-85
Dimensions: 192.8 x cm
Location: Tate Britain, London
Picture credit: Courtesy of Leighton House Museum, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (illustrated from a photogravure)

Description

A bronze sculpture of a full length nude male figure. The figure's weight is rested on his right foot, while the left foot is slightly raised off the floor. The figure's right hip is pushed outwards and the left inwards and the chest is pushed forward slightly. Both arms are raised to shoulder level and the forearms folded towards the head in a stretching fashion. The right hand touches the side of the right cheek, and the left hand is curled into a fist. The head of the figure is tipped back and turned towards his right.

Provenance

Bequeathed by the artist to his sisters, Mrs. Augusta Matthews (nTe Augusta Neunburg Leighton, 1835-1919) and Mrs. Alexandra Orr (nTe Alexandra Leighton, 1828-1903); sold through Christie's, London 8-10 July 1896, (lot 107B); presented to the Tate Gallery by Henry Tate.

Bibliography

• Jones, Stephen et al., 'Frederic Leighton', Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1996, catalogue number 93
• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.164, catalogue number 301

Exhibition history

• 1886, Royal Academy of Arts, London, catalogue number 1921
• 1894, Chicago