Ancient Statue of Sleeping Hermaphrodite 1774

John Downman's 1774 drawing, *Ancient Statue of Sleeping Hermaphrodite*, is a graphite study of a classical sculpture. The nude figure of Hermaphrodite is depicted in a reclining pose, draped in a cloth and resting on a cushioned couch. The work is held in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago and demonstrates Downman’s skill in capturing the delicate contours of the human form. The subtle shading and meticulous details lend a lifelike quality to the work, while the inscription at the top indicates the artist's fascination with classical art.