Three Nymphs and a Youth: study for a decorative lunette 1845 - 1855

This pencil sketch, "Three Nymphs and a Youth: study for a decorative lunette," is a preliminary study by famed French artist Camille Corot, dating from between 1845 and 1855. The lunette shape, a curved rectangular form, suggests that Corot was likely envisioning this composition for a decorative element within a larger architectural setting. The loose, expressive lines and the delicate shading are typical of Corot's drawing style, which often emphasized atmospheric effects and a sense of naturalism. The figures, arranged in a dynamic composition, appear to be engaged in a lively interaction, capturing a fleeting moment in their timeless mythological world. Today, the study resides in the esteemed collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.