Two studies of a seated figure, for the frieze 'Music'

The upper drawing on this sheet is a study for the sleeping seated figure on the right-hand side of the frieze Music (Leighton House, London), while the lower figure appears to be an alternative design. Curiously, the drawing is a mirror image of that in the final composition, perhaps suggesting that Leighton has swapped the figure from one side of the composition to the other. Drapery and figure studies such as this were a central part of Leighton’s practice, and other studies for Music are in the British Museum, London, and Leighton House, London.

Music was commissioned by Steward Hodgson as a pendant to The Dance (also in the collection of Leighton House) for the drawing room of his London house, 1 South Audley Street. The Dance was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1883 and Music in 1885. Both pictures have an elegant, nostalgic feeling reminiscent of Greek vase design, typical of Leighton’s work at this date.

We are grateful to Daniel Robbins for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.