Artwork
Six studies after an armless state of a female nude
Six studies after an armless state of a female nude is a drawing by Domenico Gargiulo. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Six separate studies by the 17th‑century Italian draftsman Domenico Gargiulo capture a single armless female nude from six distinct viewpoints. Executed as a drawing, each study combines pencil line work with occasional ink detailing, emphasizing the figure’s anatomical proportions and three‑dimensional form.
Subject & Meaning
The studies are based on a sculptural model lacking arms, allowing the artist to focus on torso, limbs, and drapery without the complexity of hand gestures. This approach highlights the study of the human form in isolation, a common practice for artists refining their understanding of anatomy and volume.
Technique & Style
Gargiulo employs a realistic drawing style, using varied pencil strokes and cross‑hatching to suggest depth, surface texture, and the play of light across the body. Ink accents reinforce contour lines and enhance the sense of three‑dimensionality, while the multiple perspectives demonstrate a systematic exploration of the figure’s geometry.
History & Provenance
The drawing passed through the hands of the English portraitist Sir Thomas Lawrence before being acquired by collector Samuel Woodburn. It later entered the market at Christie’s in June 1860, where it was purchased for inclusion in its current collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Domenico Gargiulo liked to study the human form. He drew a lot of nudes, like his "Six studies after an armless statue of a female nude". This drawing shows he was interested in Italian Baroque styles, which you can see…
![Head of a Woman and Studies of a Male Nude [verso], by Francesco Fontebasso](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/francesco-fontebasso--head-of-a-woman-and-studies-of-a-male-nude-verso--bba81b0c130c2863-w320.webp)
Head of a Woman and Studies of a Male Nude [verso]
A Bacchic frieze; below, two studies of classical ornament
Apollo with Erato and Cupid
The Judgment of Paris
Studies of a Left Arm, a Young Woman, a Madonna and Child, a Face in Profile, and Nude Figures
The Adoration of the Shepherds![Two Studies of the Statue of Alexander and Bucephalus [verso], by Hubert Robert](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/hubert-robert--two-studies-of-the-statue-of-alexander-and-bucephalus-verso--c8baec3f622cceea-w320.webp)
Two Studies of the Statue of Alexander and Bucephalus [verso]![Apollo and Studies of the Artist's Own Hand [recto], by Francesco Fontebasso](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/francesco-fontebasso--apollo-and-studies-of-the-artist-s-own-hand-recto--ee93288e84456aea-w320.webp)
Apollo and Studies of the Artist's Own Hand [recto]
Musician and Dancing Figures
Seated Nude with Drapery