Artwork

Costume Study

Costume Study, by Henri Lehmann, 1852
Costume Study, by Henri Lehmann, 1852

Costume Study is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Henri Lehmann. It dates from 1852 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Costume Study is a drawing by Lehmann that focuses on the interaction between a male figure's body and the drapery of a long, flowing robe. The work showcases the artist's meticulous attention to the nuances of fabric and shadow.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a male figure in a robe, but the primary focus is on the artistic study of drapery's behavior and its shadows, a key aspect of an artist's training in the 19th century.

Technique & Style

Rendered in careful pencil or chalk, the drawing emphasizes the undulating texture of the robe and the soft shadows formed by its folds, demonstrating Lehmann's exploration of chiaroscuro effects.

History & Provenance

Part of a pair related to Lehmann's Hôtel de Ville murals, this study reflects the artist's preparatory work for larger projects, specifically honing skills in depicting fabric dynamics.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henri Lehmann

Artist

Henri Lehmann

Henri Lehmann was a German-born French historical painter and portraitist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.