Study of Legs

Frederic, Lord Leighton|Romain Cazes

1828–81 · Black chalk highlighted with white chalk · Drawings and Prints

This drawing of male legs wearing hose and knee-breeches comes from a group of eleven sheets once attribued to Frederic Lord Leighton, but now identified as by Romain Cazes. Cazes was a student of Ingres who painted murals in churches in both Paris and southwest France, and these drawings demonstrate his adherance to academic practice. The latter directs artists to make separate studies of posed nude figures and their garments as compositions are planned. The group were donated to The Museum by Albert Eugene Gallatin, an influential New York collector and critic who promoted "Art for Art's Sake," insisting that aesthetics, rather than narrative or moral concerns, underpins enduring art.

Artist

Frederic, Lord Leighton|Romain Cazes

Date

1828–81

Medium

Black chalk highlighted with white chalk

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Albert Gallatin, 1907