'Winding the Skein'

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Painting details

Title: 'Winding the Skein'
Date: c.1878
Media: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 100.0 x 161.0 cm
Location: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
Picture credit: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney

Interpretation

A skein is a loosly wound ball of thread or yarn. The painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1878 (catalogue number 302).

Description

To the left a woman is seated on a stool. Her right ankle is crossed over the left and her feet are tucked under the stool. Her lower body is in profile, facing to the right. Her upper body is turned towards the viewer. Her left hand rests on her lap and her right hand is held out at shoulder height. She has red yarn wrapped between her hands. A strand of yarn leads to the right of the canvas where a young girl stands with her lower body and face in profile, facing to the left. Her upper body is turned away from the viewer. Her left hand is at shoulder level and gently pulls the strand of yarn. Her right hand holds up the ball of yarn she is winding at head height. These two figures are seen on a terrace and in the background a view of mountains and sea can be seen. Both figures are in classical dress.

Provenance

Collection of F.H. Woodroffe; sold through Christie's, London 24 March 1906 (lot 111); purchased by Pirie; John Avery; J. S. Maas andCo.; Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney.

Bibliography

• Jones, Stephen et al., 'Frederic Leighton', Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1996, p.179. Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.164, catalogue number 249, plate 123
• Rhys, Ernest, (prefatory essay by Stephens, F. G.) 'Sir Frederic Leighton, Bart., P. R. A.: An Illustrated Chronicle', George Bell and Sons, London, 1895, p.22, illustrated opposite p.56

Exhibition history

• 1878, Royal Academy of Arts, London, catalogue number 302
• 1878, Liverpool Autumn Exhibition, catalogue number 164
• 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 79

Reproductions

Photogravure by Fine Art Society (38 x 61), 1884