Study of a Female Figure

• enlarge drawing

Drawing details

Title: Study of a Female Figure
Date: c.1868
Media: Black and white chalk on blue paper
Dimensions: 35.0 x 18.5 cm
Location: The Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin
Picture credit: The Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin
Reference number: 61

Interpretation

This drawing may be a study for the painting 'A Nile Woman' (1868, untraced), which also shows a female figure, facing the viewer and carrying a similar vessel on her head, however, the pose is different. Alternatively the drawing may be an earlier idea for a figure in the painting 'Captive Andromache' (c.1888, Manchester Art Gallery).

Description

Full-length nude study of a female figure, facing the viewer and resting an Egyptian pitcher on her head. The right hand reaches above the head to hold the handle of the pitcher. The left hand rests on the left hip. The figure stands with her weight on the left leg.