Tom -- Florence

George Richmond

1838

gouache

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Nude

About this work

This sketch shows a reclining nude figure, drawn with quick, loose lines. The body is turned slightly, with one arm bent under the head and the other resting on the stomach. The legs are bent at the knees, and the feet point outward. The artist used shading to show muscle and curves, with some areas left lighter. The paper has a warm, tan color, and the drawing includes faint ink lines and white gouache for highlights. The signature "Tom -- Florence" is written in the corner, which might hint at the subject or location. Next, look into gouache to see how artists use this paint technique.