Study for "Greek Girls Bathing" c. 1872

Elihu Vedder's "Study for 'Greek Girls Bathing'" (c. 1872) is a preparatory drawing for his famous painting, "The Greek Girls Bathing," a classic example of the Academic style. The single figure, rendered in a loose and gestural style, captures the essence of a reclining female figure in a flowing drapery, typical of the academic tradition. The artist's use of muted browns and grays creates a sense of depth and volume, enhancing the realism of the figure. This study demonstrates Vedder's mastery of draftsmanship and his keen interest in classical themes. The drawing's relatively small scale, 14.92 x 21.75 cm (5 7/8 x 8 9/16 in.), reflects its private nature as a preparatory study.