Artwork
Study of a Nude Female Sleeping
Study of a Nude Female Sleeping is an oil painting by William Etty. It dates from 1847 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Study of a Nude Female Sleeping is a 1847 oil painting by William Etty, an English artist known for his depictions of the human figure.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a nude woman reclining on a bed, her body relaxed in a curled position. The serene scene focuses on the gentle curves of her form, inviting contemplation.
Technique & Style
Soft brushstrokes capture the subtleties of the woman's body, while a dark background and chiaroscuro technique create a sense of depth and emphasize her figure.
History & Provenance
The work is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection, exemplifying Etty's contribution to the genre of nudes, a subject he was among the first British artists to explore extensively.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Etty (10 March 1787 – 13 November 1849) was an English artist best known for his historical paintings containing nude figures.
