Studies of a Reclining Female Nude by Abraham Bloemaert

Studies of a Reclining Female Nude c. 1645 - 1651

pencil drawn

toned paper

facial expression drawing

light pencil work

pencil sketch

pencil drawing

ink drawing experimentation

portrait drawing

pencil work

watercolour illustration

"Studies of a Reclining Female Nude" is a black chalk drawing on paper created by Abraham Bloemaert around 1645-1651. This study, housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts two female figures, one lying on her stomach with her back turned to the viewer and the other with her back to the viewer, possibly intended for a larger composition. Bloemaert was a prominent figure in the Dutch Baroque era, known for his skill in depicting the human form, evident in his carefully rendered anatomical details. The drawing demonstrates the artist's meticulous attention to anatomy and form. These studies served as preparatory sketches for larger paintings, providing insight into Bloemaert's creative process.

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rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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In the course of his exceptionally long life – he lived to be over 80 – Bloemaert made hundreds of drawings. He drew from his own imagination, after life models, and after the nature near his place of residence, Utrecht. He often copied and reused motifs in his drawings. These studies of nudes also feature in a drawing that Bloemaert had made more than 40 years earlier.