Study of three standing draped female figures, for "Music"
This sheet relates to "Music," a frieze Leighton painted in 1885 for Stewart Hodgson's drawing room at 1 South Audley Street, London. It was conceived to complement one he had completed two years earlier titled "Dance." Typically, the artist worked in well-defined stages—first making a color oil sketch, then nude studies in chalks, and finally drawings of draperies. The classical robes seen here are worn by three girls who sing, play a stringed instrument, and hold music, appearing at right in the completed composition.
Leighton's childhood was spent mostly on the Continent, where he pursued academic studies at Florence and Frankfurt before return to London for a sensational debut at the Royal Academy in 1855. When he showed "Cimabue's Madonna Carried in Procession through the Streets of Florence" that year, it was purchased by Queen Victoria. The young artist's precocity and continental training rubbed many academicans the wrong way, however, and delayed his election to full membership until 1869. From that date forward, however, Leighton assumed a leading place within London's art world.
Leighton's childhood was spent mostly on the Continent, where he pursued academic studies at Florence and Frankfurt before return to London for a sensational debut at the Royal Academy in 1855. When he showed "Cimabue's Madonna Carried in Procession through the Streets of Florence" that year, it was purchased by Queen Victoria. The young artist's precocity and continental training rubbed many academicans the wrong way, however, and delayed his election to full membership until 1869. From that date forward, however, Leighton assumed a leading place within London's art world.
Artwork Details
- Title: Study of three standing draped female figures, for "Music"
- Artist: Frederic, Lord Leighton (British, Scarborough 1830–1896 London)
- Date: ca. 1883–85
- Medium: Black and white chalk on brown paper
- Dimensions: Sheet: 15 1/4 in. × 11 in. (38.7 × 28 cm)
- Classification: Drawings
- Credit Line: Purchase, PECO Foundation Gift, 2016
- Object Number: 2016.62
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.