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Reclining Female Nude (recto)

Unknown

1850

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Nude

Dominant colour

Reclining Female Nude (recto) is a 1850 by Unknown, a Romanticism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1850 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a woman lying on her side, her body relaxed but strong. Her left arm stretches behind her head, while her right arm rests on her hip. The lines are loose and quick, focusing on the shape of her muscles and curves rather than fine details. The drawing feels more like a study than a finished work—just the basics to capture the pose and form. The background is plain, so all the focus stays on her body. If you like this sketchy, expressive style, look up *chiaroscuro* next.