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Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto]

William Blake, Sir Richmond

1880

chalk

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Nude

Dominant colour

Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto] is a 1880 chalk by William Blake, Sir Richmond, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: William Blake, Sir Richmond
When & what style?: 1880 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a quick, loose drawing of two nude figures from behind. The lines are soft and smudged, mostly in red, with no clear details—just the shapes of heads, shoulders, and arms. The paper has a light background, and the drawing looks like it was done fast, almost like a practice piece. The artist used red chalk, which gives the sketch a warm, earthy tone. The figures seem to be moving, but the drawing is rough and unfinished, like a first try at capturing their forms. If you like this sketchy style, look up chiaroscuro next—it’s a technique that uses strong light and shadow.