Artwork
Reclining Female Nude (recto); Architectural Design (verso)
Reclining Female Nude (recto); Architectural Design (verso) is a graphite print by the Impressionist artist Gioacchino Banfi. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This double-sided work on paper by Gioacchino Banfi comprises an etching of a reclining nude woman on one side and a pen-and-ink architectural drawing on the other, created around 1878.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a relaxed female figure lying on a surface, while the verso features a rough architectural sketch with a building, window, and possible scaffolding or framing elements.
Technique & Style
Banfi employed loose, expressive strokes to convey light and shadow, resulting in a sketchy, unfinished appearance characteristic of a study rather than a polished work. The etching technique allowed for the creation of varied textures and tonal effects.
History & Provenance
The work is held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Artist & collection
