Title:
Studies for 'The Syracusan Bride': Female Figures Date:
1865-66 Media:
Black and white chalk on blue paper Dimensions:
27.8 x 22.7 cm Location: Bewdley Museum, Worcestershire Picture credit:
Wyre Forest District Council Museum Service, Calderdale Museums and Arts Reference number:
1974-370.7
Upper left of sheet: full-length study of a standing nude female figure in profile, facing to the right. The figure raises the left and right arms in front of her. The right arm is held straight and above the left arm, which is slightly bent at the elbow. Her weight rests on the left leg, which is bent at the knee. The right leg is straight and extended forward, with toes pointed. Lower left of sheet: rough unidentified sketch, possibly a composition. Upper right of sheet: full-length nude study of a female figure in the same pose as the figure to the left, but in profile, facing to the left. This drawing is similar to the pose of the female figure to the far right of the painting 'The Syracusan Bride' (1865-66, private collection), although the right arm bends towards the viewer. Lower right of sheet: full-length nude study of the female figure on the far left of the painting 'The Syracusan Bride'. The figure is turned to the left, whereas in the painting she is shown in profile, facing left. The feet are not drawn.