Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French School Seated Nude Female Figure Life Study Drawing
Medium: Charcoal on paper, unframed
Size: 25.25 x 19.75 inches (height x width)
Provenance: private collection
Condition: Good overall with visible age toning water staining to lower and upper left areas creasing minor edge wear and small paper losses to corners consistent with age and studio handling
Description:
A highly atmospheric mid century French School academic life drawing depicting a seated female nude figure rendered in charcoal and graphite. The model is shown in profile, resting her arm across a cylindrical form while seated on a simple wooden stool, creating a sculptural vertical composition of striking elegance.
The artist demonstrates confident academic training, building form through rich tonal modelling and deep charcoal shadow. The dramatic dark mass behind the figure enhances silhouette and depth, while subtle cross hatching across the torso and legs gives the body weight and volume. The profile pose lends the drawing a contemplative quality, balancing structural precision with emotional restraint.
The restrained monochrome palette heightens the interplay of light and shadow, creating a sculptural effect reminiscent of traditional atelier life drawing practice. Visible paper toning, water staining and fold lines reinforce the authenticity and age of this working studio study.
This refined figurative composition will appeal to collectors of mid century modern works on paper, French academic nude...
Category
20th Century French School Nude Drawings and Watercolors
MaterialsCharcoal, Graphite