Artwork
Seated Female Nude Leaning to the Left
Seated Female Nude Leaning to the Left is a graphite drawing by Auguste Rodin. It dates from 1908 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The lines are rough and sketchy, with some darker marks for shadows and folds in her skin.
This sketch shows a quick, loose drawing of a seated woman from the back. Her arms rest on her knees, and her head tilts slightly to the side. The lines are rough and sketchy, with some darker marks for shadows and folds in her skin.
The artist wrote a note in the corner, dated July 7, 1908, and signed it. The paper is folded, and the drawing feels like a fast study rather than a finished piece.
If you like this style, look up Rodin, Auguste.
Overview
Seated Female Nude Leaning to the Left is a graphite drawing on folded paper created by Auguste Rodin in 1908. Characterized by loose, expressive lines, the work captures a seated female figure from behind in a quick, sketchy manner.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a female nude, a genre Rodin explored extensively. Here, the subject is shown seated with arms resting on knees and head tilted, conveying a sense of relaxed, natural pose rather than formal nudity.
Technique & Style
Rodin's use of graphite emphasizes rapid, rough strokes with varied line weights, indicating shadows and skin folds. The overall execution suggests a swift study rather than a polished work, reflecting his sculptural approach translated to a two-dimensional medium.
History & Provenance
Created on July 7, 1908, the drawing includes a dated signature by Rodin in the corner. The folded paper implies a possibly informal or portable creation process.
Artist & collection
Artist
François Auguste René Rodin (; French: ; 12 November 1840 – 17 November 1917) was a French sculptor generally considered the founder of modern sculpture.
