Semi-nude young woman seated and study of hand
circa 1742
Black chalk with touches of white and red chalk, on blue-grey paper
873-2-20
Bequeathed by Jean Marie de Silguy in 1864
H. 41,8 cm - L. 32 cm
This drawing is a preliminary study for the figure of Venus in the picture Vénus à la toilette (Bordeaux, Musée des beaux-arts) exhibited at the 1742 Salon: a nymph adorns the goddess’ hair with flowers and pearls. The goddess places her right hand on a casket and with her left hand – represented here below – holds a garland against her chest. This emblematic figure of the galant paintings of the 18th century was one of Natoire’s favourite themes.
Semi-nude young woman seated and study of hand
circa 1742
Black chalk with touches of white and red chalk, on blue-grey paper
873-2-20
Bequeathed by Jean Marie de Silguy in 1864
H. 41,8 cm - L. 32 cm
This drawing is a preliminary study for the figure of Venus in the picture Vénus à la toilette (Bordeaux, Musée des beaux-arts) exhibited at the 1742 Salon: a nymph adorns the goddess’ hair with flowers and pearls. The goddess places her right hand on a casket and with her left hand – represented here below – holds a garland against her chest. This emblematic figure of the galant paintings of the 18th century was one of Natoire’s favourite themes.