Study of a Reclining Female Nude by Abraham Bloemaert

Study of a Reclining Female Nude c. 1645 - 1651

pencil drawn

facial expression drawing

light pencil work

pencil sketch

charcoal drawing

portrait reference

pencil drawing

animal drawing portrait

portrait drawing

pencil work

Abraham Bloemaert's "Study of a Reclining Female Nude" is a charcoal drawing on paper depicting a nude woman reclining on a bed. Created around 1645–1651, the drawing showcases Bloemaert's mastery in rendering the human form with precise detail and subtle shading. The intimate scale and focus on anatomy highlight its function as a study for a larger artwork. The artwork is currently part of the Rijksmuseum collection and offers insight into the artist's preparatory process and exploration of the female body.

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rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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Bloemaert had more than a hundred pupils, including his four sons. To learn how to draw in their master’s style, they copied Bloemaert’s drawings. This proved so useful that Frederik Bloemaert made prints after a number of his father’s study sheets, including the one on view here. These prints were published in a model and study book for artists in training.