Artwork
Study of a female nude for sculpture
Study of a female nude for sculpture is a drawing by Reg Butler. It dates from 1957 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Reg Butler's 1957 pencil drawing, Study of a female nude for sculpture, presents a female figure in two poses on either side of the sheet. The visible side depicts the subject's back and side, characterized by soft, expressive pencil marks.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing focuses on the female nude as a subject for sculptural study, emphasizing overall form and shadow rather than detailed representation. The loose, natural poses suggest an exploration of the body's three-dimensional potential.
Technique & Style
Butler employed soft pencil strokes, with occasional smudging, to convey volume and texture. The quick, unfinished quality indicates a preliminary study, prioritizing the capture of shapes and shadows over meticulous detail.
History & Provenance
Created in 1957, the drawing is a direct study for a sculpture project. Further provenance details are not provided.
Context
This work reflects Butler's engagement with figurative sculpture during the mid-20th century, a period when many artists explored the human form in various mediums.
Legacy
As a study piece, its significance lies in illustrating Butler's creative process and approach to capturing the human form for three-dimensional translation, offering insight into his sculptural methodology.
Artist & collection
Artist
Reginald Cotterell Butler was an English sculptor. He was born at Bridgefoot House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire to Frederick William Butler (1880–1937) and Edith (1880–1969), daughter of blacksmith William Barltrop, of…
