Reclining Female Nude
1771
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1771
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a woman lying on her side, her head resting on one hand. She’s wrapped in a light sheet that barely covers her body. The lines are soft and sketchy, with a reddish-brown tint, giving it a warm, fuzzy look. The artist used quick, loose strokes to show the curves of her body and the folds of the cloth. This style makes the scene feel more like a sketch than a finished painting. Next, check out the technique: chiaroscuro to see how artists use light and shadow for drama.
