Study of a plaster cast of the Borghese Gladiator

1872

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Nude

Dominant colour

Study of a plaster cast of the Borghese Gladiator is a 1872 by Maria Brooks, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Maria Brooks
When & what style?: 1872 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This drawing depicts a nude male figure in a dynamic pose, with his right arm extended and his left arm bent at the elbow. The figure is rendered in a range of values, from light to dark, which creates a sense of volume and depth. The artist has used a range of lines and textures to capture the subtleties of the figure's anatomy. The drawing is highly detailed, with the artist paying close attention to the contours of the figure's muscles and the folds of his skin. The overall effect is one of realism and naturalism, as if the figure is about to spring to life. The drawing is a testament to the artist's skill and attention to detail. To learn more about the artist's technique, look up the technique of cross-hatching.

The story of this work

Overview

A large black chalk drawing depicts an antique sculpture of the Borghese Gladiator.

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

Artist

Maria Brooks

Maria Brooks kept a plaster cast of the Borghese Gladiator on her desk for years—just to study the muscles, the twist of the body, the way light slid off bronze skin.

See the richer artist page