Study for "Greek Girls Bathing" [recto] c. 1872

This is a study, or preparatory drawing, for Elihu Vedder's painting "Greek Girls Bathing," dated circa 1872. The drawing, rendered in red and white chalk on brown paper, shows a single female figure draped in a loose gown, her head turned and hand raised to her face. The figure is a study for one of the three bathing figures in the final painting, and Vedder's signature is visible in the upper right corner. The artist was known for his allegorical paintings and works inspired by classical literature. This study is an intimate glimpse into Vedder's artistic process as he worked on his more finished compositions.