Study of a woman’s head for the painting ‘A noble lady of Venice’ c. 1865

Frederic Leighton made this sketch of a woman's head, probably in the late 19th century, using graphite on paper. Leighton's choice of graphite, a relatively accessible and inexpensive material, allows for a remarkable level of detail and tonal variation. See how he uses delicate strokes to capture the contours of her face and the soft rendering of her hair. The visible hatching and layering of the graphite reveal Leighton’s method, a process of building form through careful observation. The material lends itself to easy corrections and adjustments, essential for a preliminary study like this, a stage in the evolution of a painting, and a chance to work through ideas and refine the composition. Consider the distinction between the status of a finished painting and that of a sketch. While the former might be destined for display in a grand salon, commanding a high price, the latter offers an intimate glimpse into the artist's working process. It reminds us that even the most polished artworks often have humble origins, and that the value of art lies not only in its final presentation but also in the labor, process, and intention behind its creation.