Study of  three draped female figures

Study of three standing draped female figures

Frederic, Lord Leighton, PRA RWS 1830-1896

Black and white chalks on brown paper

15 1/4 x 11 inches, 39 x 28 cm

In this study for the the decorative frieze Music (Ormond's catalogue number 309), "the right hand figure holding an open song book." Stewart Hodgson commissioned this work as a pendant to The Dance in the scheme of decoration for the drawing-room of his London house, 1 South Audley Street, Mayfair. Music was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1885, number 344, two years after The Dance had been shown there. The present drawing corresponds to the group of singing girls which form the centre of the left-hand half of the composition. The frieze is today with its compananion in the collection at Leighton House. (Information from Hilary Morgan)