Who painted Modelling from Life?

Modelling from Life was painted by Crowe in 1868.

Where can I see Modelling from Life?

Modelling from Life is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Modelling from Life?

Modelling from Life is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Modelling from Life?

Museum-quality prints of Modelling from Life are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Modelling from Life

Crowe , 1868

Modelling from Life is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Crowe. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Modelling from Life is an oil painting depicting a scene of artistic creation, featuring three figures observing and working on a sculpture of a seated nude model, set against a backdrop with a visible cloudy sky.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates a moment of artistic practice, with one figure actively sculpting, another observing, and a third looking on, while a model sits in the foreground, highlighting the process of modelling from life.

Technique & Style

The artist, E. Crowe, employed meticulous attention to detail and effectively utilized light and shadow to achieve a sense of depth and realism, characteristic of the chiaroscuro technique.

History & Provenance

Commissioned in 1868 for the National Competition Gallery's lunette recess, the painting was later removed, stored, and restored before being reinstalled in 2010 as part of a decorative scheme overseen by Richard Redgrave and Henry Cole.

Context

Part of a larger decorative project (1864-1876) featuring historical genre painters from the St John's Wood Clique, the painting originally adorned a space showcasing student art from Department of Science and Art-run schools nationwide.