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Figure Studies

Frederic, Lord Leighton

1863

chalk

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Figure Studies is a 1863 chalk by Frederic, Lord Leighton, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Frederic, Lord Leighton
When & what style?: 1863 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows four quick drawings of draped figures. The first stands tall, holding a staff, with a long robe that falls in loose folds. The others are posed in different stances—one leaning forward, another sitting with hands clasped, and the last kneeling with arms wrapped around knees. The lines are light but sure, with some white highlights to catch the light on fabric. The artist used black chalk on brown paper, leaving the background plain. The focus is on how the cloth moves with each pose, showing weight and movement. These aren’t finished paintings but practice sketches, likely for a larger work. If you like how the light and shadow shape the figures, look up chiaroscuro.