Two Studies of Reclining Youth 1705 - 1743

"Two Studies of Reclining Youth" is a red chalk drawing by Nicolas Lancret, dating from between 1705 and 1743. The piece depicts two figures in various reclining poses, a common subject for figure studies in the 18th century. The looseness of the lines suggests that this was likely a preparatory sketch for a larger painting. Lancret was known for his paintings of elegant scenes of everyday life, often featuring figures in outdoor settings, making this drawing a valuable insight into his artistic process. The work is currently part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.