Femme nue à genou, de face 1861

"Femme nue à genou, de face" is a charcoal drawing by French artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, created in 1861. The drawing depicts a nude female figure kneeling with her back to the viewer, her head and arms are out of the frame. The figure is depicted in a simplified, almost geometric, style that is characteristic of Chavannes' work. This study is a preparatory drawing for a larger composition, and the artist's use of line and form to create a sense of volume is evident. The simplified forms and soft contours showcase Puvis de Chavannes' distinct style and his skill in portraying the human figure in an expressive and evocative way.