Drawing of a female figure leaning on an urn. She faces left and rests her head on her right hand. Her weight rests on her left leg; her right leg is hooked before her left leg, her feet bare. Her outfit comprises two garments: a long skirt and a separate top with short sleeves, belted at the waist. Behind and to the left of the urn is a tree. Inscribed on recto, to top right (handwritten in ink): '157'. Made by Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-1797), c.1775. Pencil, charcoal, and ink and ink wash on paper. Displayed in a cream window mount.

Exhibitions:

Title: Joseph Wright of Derby: An Exhibition to Commemorate the Centenary of Derby Museums and Art Gallery
Venue: Derby Museum and Art Gallery
Dates: from 21/04/1979 to 21/07/1979
Title: Joseph Wright of Derby, 1734-1797: Bicentenary Exhibition
Venue: Derby Museum and Art Gallery
Dates: from 21/06/1997 to 28/09/1997

Publications

Title: Joseph Wright of Derby 1734 - 1797
Sub-Title: An introduction to the work of Joseph Wright of Derby with a catalogue of drawings held by Derby Museum and Art Gallery. Published on the occasion of an exhibition commemorating the Bicentenary of the artist's death.
Published Place: Derby
Published Year: 1997

Related People

Joseph Wright of Derby (Artist)
Display Date: British, 1734 - 1797
Nationality: British
Biography: Artist.

Study of a Female Figure Leaning on an Urn

Date: c.1775

Medium: Pencil, charcoal, and ink and ink wash on paper.

Object Type:	Drawing
Dimensions:	Support: 270 × 229 mm (10 5/8 × 9 in.)
Description:	The classical dress, hairstyle and pose of this figure appear to indicate a study for, or from, a mourning subject, such as those found on carved Roman reliefs. The date is unknown; however with the classical influences, it probably dates from the period after Wright's Italian visit. [see Wallis, J. 'Joseph Wright of Derby' (1997), p.68.] Note similarity of this contemplative/mourning(?) figure with other studies of female mourning figures by Wright, including some examples in his Italian sketchbook in the British Museum collection; especially leaves 9 verso and 21 recto. [LB: 2024]
Inscriptions:	Inscribed on recto, to top right (handwritten in ink): '157'.
Provenance:	...; William Bemrose of Derby; by descent to his son, Charles Lloyd Bemrose, by whom donated to Derby Museums in 1914.
Viewing Status:	Contact Us
Item Ref:	1914-517/71