'Cimabue Finding Giotto in the Fields of Florence'

Painting details

Title: 'Cimabue Finding Giotto in the Fields of Florence'
Date: c.1848-50
Dimensions: 125.7 x 94.0 cm
Location: Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery

Description

This is a painting of four male figures standing in a landscape. On the left hand side is a man turned facing his left side, so that his shoulder and back of his head are turned towards the viewer. He is clothed in a loose fitting shirt and tights, and he holds a large book in his right hand. He is turned facing another man, who has a mustache, long dark hair and a cap over his head, and who seems to be closing his eyes. To this man's left side is another man, dressed in a dark, hooded garment that covers everything but his bearded face. The man is reaching with his left hand to touch the face of a boy, who is wearing a short garment and is staring down at the ground. The boy is standing with his left arm hidden behind his back. In the background of the scene there are clouds, a field and a sheep on the right hand side of the scene. Four male figures standing in a landscape. On the left hand side is a male figure turned facing the right, so that his shoulder and back of his head are turned towards the viewer. He wears a loose fitting shirt and tights, and is holding a large book in his right hand. He is turned facing another male figure, who has a moustache, long dark hair and a cap over his head, and who seems to be closing his eyes. To this figure's left side is another male figure, dressed in a dark, hooded garment that covers everything but his bearded face. He is reaching with his left hand to touch the face of a boy, who is wearing a short garment and is staring down at the ground. The boy is standing with the left arm hidden behind his back. In the background of the scene there are clouds, a field and a sheep on the right hand side of the scene.

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 (Artist's sale) (lot 103); collection of T.W. Bacon; sold through Christie's, London 16 May 1913 (lot 150); purchased by Smith; Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery.

Bibliography

• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.149, catalogue number 2, plate 20

Exhibition history

• 1850, Frankfurt
• 04 January 1897 to 13 March 1897, 'Exhibition of Works be the Late Lord Leighton of Stretton President of the Royal Academy: Winter Exhibition', The Royal Academy of Arts, London, catalogue number 177.