Artwork
Nude Model Seated
Nude Model Seated is a silver drawing by the Romanticist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Nude Model Seated is a 1874 drawing by Alphonse Legros, a French artist who later worked in Britain. Created using silverpoint on prepared paper, it depicts a seated nude figure.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing shows a seated figure with long hair, focusing on the head, shoulders, and hair. The model's hands rest gently in their lap, conveying a sense of calm.
Technique & Style
Legros employed silverpoint technique, characterized by fine, precise lines with a scratchy, metallic appearance. The loose lines used to render the hair create a sense of movement and fluidity.
History & Provenance
Legros created the drawing in 1874, after relocating to London in 1863, where he contributed to the British etching revival.
Context
The work reflects the 19th-century artistic practice of studying real people to capture movement, a tradition that influenced the development of various art styles, including Romanticism.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
