Artwork
Study of a Seated Female Nude
Study of a Seated Female Nude is a drawing by Raymond James Coxon. It dates from 1957 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Raymond James Coxon’s 1957 charcoal drawing presents a seated female nude rendered in stark, gestural lines. The figure sits with crossed legs, hands resting on her knees, and a slight tilt of the head. The composition is confined to a light ground, allowing the dark charcoal strokes to define the form and convey a tranquil presence.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures a solitary woman in a moment of quiet repose. Her expression is serious, yet her posture is relaxed, suggesting an introspective mood. By stripping away clothing and extraneous detail, Coxon emphasizes the inherent dignity and simplicity of the human form, inviting contemplation of the figure’s inner calm.
Technique & Style
Executed in charcoal with occasional blue chalk signature on the reverse, the drawing relies on minimal, confident lines to outline the anatomy. Coxon employs a limited tonal range, allowing the contrast between dark strokes and the light paper to suggest volume without elaborate shading, reflecting a modernist approach to figure drawing.
History & Provenance
Created in 1957, the piece bears Coxon’s signature in blue chalk on its back, confirming authorship. The drawing is part of the artist’s mid‑century output, a period marked by his continued exploration of the nude. Its provenance traces to the artist’s estate before entering the museum’s collection, where it is displayed among his works on paper.
Artist & collection
Artist
Raymond James Coxon (18 August 1896 – 31 January 1997) was an English artist. He enrolled at the Leeds School of Art, the Royal College of Art, and became a teacher in the Richmond School of Art. The creative work of…
