Study of Three Standing Draped Female Figures for ‘Music’ c. 1883 - 1885

Frederic Leighton made this study of three standing draped female figures for ‘Music’ using chalk, on brown paper. This is a preparatory drawing, and the chalk emphasizes the play of light and shadow on the draped figures. The texture of the paper itself contributes to the overall effect, as Leighton exploits the inherent qualities of these humble materials. Think about the creative processes that are on display in the drawing. It embodies a skilled tradition of draughtsmanship, part of a long history of academic training. Leighton would have spent hours studying classical sculpture and the human form, mastering the techniques of shading, proportion, and composition. The amount of work involved in the production is evident in the careful rendering of the drapery, and in the subtle gradations of tone that create a sense of volume and depth. By understanding Leighton’s deep engagement with materials and processes, we can begin to appreciate the full meaning of this drawing, challenging the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.