Study for "Astronomy" 1892

Elihu Vedder's "Study for 'Astronomy'" is a preparatory drawing for his famous allegorical painting. Created in 1892, it depicts a nude female figure representing the personified concept of Astronomy. Seated and holding a celestial globe, she is positioned under a semi-circular arch, suggesting the vastness of the cosmos. Vedder's study, rendered in soft graphite, showcases his skill in capturing form and composition. This preparatory sketch provides a glimpse into the artist's creative process for the final work.