Composition

This may have been one of several studies (with, for instance, r.: Model Resting; v.: A woman's leg [M.0335]) for an unrealised figure composition.

Stephanie L. Strother compares it to studies by Albert Joseph Moore (1841-1893) such as the Study for "A Garden" of ca 1869 (Art Institute of Chicago, 2003.251). 1

Technique

It was drawn lightly in black chalk with highlights and colouring in white chalk. There are pentimenti and the pose is not entirely resolved. Strother comments 'His short, wavering lines are hesitant, and though white chalk highlights add luminosity to the fabric, both it and the woman appear volumeless and insubstantial.' 2

The paper has a rough texture, and is spotted with flecks of fibre and stains. There are very faint suggestions of lines, possibly another figure, at right. The paper has been unevenly cut, and there are numerous pinholes at the centre top and bottom, and the corners, suggesting it was pinned up for reworking, copying or consultation. The butterfly was a later addition, dating from ca 1872. 3