Artwork
Study of female figure
Study of female figure is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Charles West Cope. It dates from 1852 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1852 pen and ink drawing by Charles West Cope depicts a nude female figure in a sideways pose, holding a jug and a bunch of feathers. Executed with expressive, sketchy lines, the work emphasizes the figure's form and movement against a largely blank background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a nude woman engaged in an everyday activity, suggested by the jug and feathers she holds. The simplicity of the props contrasts with the focus on her bodily form, implying an artistic exercise in capturing the human figure rather than narrating a specific scene.
Technique & Style
The drawing features quick, expressive lines and a textured paper base. Shading is achieved through tiny dots and lines, anticipating techniques like cross-hatching. The overall style prioritizes the dynamic representation of the figure over detailed rendering.
History & Provenance
Created in 1852 by Charles West Cope, specific provenance details (ownership history) are not provided in the available information.
Context
This work reflects mid-19th-century artistic practices where figure studies were crucial for honing skills. The use of pen and ink for such studies was common, allowing for rapid capture of form and movement.
Legacy
As a figure study, this drawing contributes to the broader tradition of artistic anatomical and movement studies, though its individual impact or influence on later artists is not specified in the provided context.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Charles West Cope (28 July 1811– 21 August 1890) was an English, Victorian era painter of genre and history scenes, and an etcher. He was responsible for painting several frescos in the House of Lords in London.
