Studies for William Rush 1876

"Studies for William Rush" is a pencil sketch on paper created in 1876 by American artist Thomas Eakins. The drawing is comprised of two sketches of a woman dressed in a lace collar and a mantilla. The artist's handwritten notes, which are included in the artwork, describe the clothing and offer stylistic suggestions for the finished portrait of Mrs. Madison, which is the subject of the study. The artist's detailed notations reflect his strong interest in anatomical accuracy and meticulous attention to detail, characteristic of his realist style.