Artwork
Young woman standing
Young woman standing is a drawing by Paul Scheurich. It dates from 1907 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a pencil drawing portraying a young woman seen from behind.
About this work
Overview
The work is a pencil drawing portraying a young woman seen from behind. She stands upright, her arms bent at the elbows with hands resting at her sides, and holds a small figurine. The figure’s hair is gathered in a chignon, and she wears a dress featuring a ruffled skirt and a bow at the nape of her neck.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on the solitary presence of the woman, emphasizing posture and the intimate gesture of holding a diminutive object. The rear view invites contemplation of the figure’s interiority, while the small figurine suggests a personal or symbolic attachment, though the drawing offers no explicit narrative beyond this quiet moment.
Technique & Style
Rendered in graphite, the drawing employs meticulous shading and cross‑hatching to model form and convey volume. Careful attention to the folds of the dress and the contours of the body creates a realistic sense of depth. The texture of the hair and fabric is achieved through layered strokes that build subtle tonal variations.
Context
Created in the early twentieth century, the piece reflects the period’s interest in detailed draftsmanship and the study of the human figure. Its realistic approach aligns with contemporary academic practices, while the focus on a private, everyday scene mirrors broader artistic trends toward intimate, genre‑type subjects during that era.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Scheurich loved drawing delicate, porcelain-like figures that looked almost too fragile to touch.
