Who painted Study of a Woman's Hand (verso)?

Study of a Woman's Hand (verso) was painted by Augustin Théodule Ribot in 1804.

Where can I see Study of a Woman's Hand (verso)?

Study of a Woman's Hand (verso) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Study of a Woman's Hand (verso)?

Study of a Woman's Hand (verso) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Study of a Woman's Hand (verso)?

Museum-quality prints of Study of a Woman's Hand (verso) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Study of a Woman's Hand (verso)

Augustin Théodule Ribot , 1804

Study of a Woman's Hand (verso) is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Augustin Théodule Ribot. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Study of a Woman’s Hand (verso) is a paper drawing executed around 1804 by French artist Théodule Ribot.

Accession no.: 2009.120.b
Credit line: Bequest of Muriel Butkin

About this work

Overview

Study of a Woman’s Hand (verso) is a paper drawing executed around 1804 by French artist Théodule Ribot. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of early‑19th‑century figure study.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents several hands placed on a tabletop, one palm open and another gently curled, accompanied by a modestly rendered cup in the lower corner. The focus on the hands suggests an interest in gesture and the tactile qualities of the human form, a common concern for artists practicing observational drawing.

Technique & Style

Ribot employed a rapid, gestural line that captures the contours of the hands with minimal detail. Simple tonal shading creates a sense of volume, while the paper’s aged surface bears faint smudges and incidental marks, indicating a working sketch rather than a finished piece.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1804, the drawing entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition (specific provenance details are not publicly recorded). Its presence in the museum’s collection highlights the institution’s interest in early French academic studies.

Context

During the early 1800s, French academies emphasized life drawing as foundational training. Ribot’s study aligns with this pedagogical tradition, offering a concise visual record of hand studies that would inform larger compositions.