Artwork

Study after "The Models"

Study after "The Models", by Georges Seurat, ink
Study after "The Models", by Georges Seurat, ink

Study after "The Models" is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist Georges Seurat. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Study after "The Models" is a 1888 drawing by Georges Seurat, executed in pen and brown ink over graphite on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a standing, unclothed figure facing forward, with a simple and sketchy appearance. The background is largely empty, with faint, ambiguous shapes suggesting additional forms.

Technique & Style

Seurat employed a technique of densely packed, small marks to construct the figure, creating a textured, patterned effect. The use of tiny dots and strokes gives the drawing a rough, unfinished quality.

Context

This drawing likely served as a preparatory study for a larger work, with Seurat practicing and refining his rendering of the human form.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.