Study of a Nude Figure (Etude de figure nue)

About this work

This sketch shows a single nude figure from behind, standing sideways with one arm bent behind their head. The lines are loose and hatching marks cover the back and shoulders, giving a sense of shadow and muscle. The paper is light and the ink is dark, making the figure stand out clearly. The artist used quick, sketchy strokes to show the body’s shape and movement. This was likely a practice piece to study how light and shadow work on the human form. Next, check out how etching works as a printmaking technique.