Artwork
Nude Holding Her Leg (Femme nue se tenant la jambe)

Nude Holding Her Leg (Femme nue se tenant la jambe) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Paul-Albert Besnard. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Nude Holding Her Leg is an etching by Albert Besnard, created in 1886 on wove paper.
About this work
Overview
Nude Holding Her Leg is an etching by Albert Besnard, created in 1886 on wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a nude woman with her back and arm visible, bent forward as she grasps her leg. The figure is rendered in a loose, gestural style, with an emphasis on capturing movement and texture.
Technique & Style
The etching combines drypoint and etching techniques. Drypoint was used to create fine, fuzzy lines by scratching directly into the metal plate, while etching added texture and detail. The result is a print with expressive, web-like lines and a grainy texture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul-Albert Besnard (1849–1934) was a French artist, born in 7th arrondissement of Paris.















