Composition

The pose and subject are related to several drawings including r.: Blue and Gold; v.: Ship [M.0399] and Note in flesh-colour gold - The Golden Blossom [M.0402].

Technique

This is an unusually large drawing. The background is rubbed and scumbled across the rough paper, the figure drawn more precisely in black and then filled on carefully in colour with pastels. Her face appears to have been rubbed out, the features completely obscured. There are some pentimenti, for instance, the robe originally hung straight down at the left, and her arms were tried out in slightly different positions.

Conservation History

The sheet is tall and narrow, with flecks of wood pulp, and a rough edge at the top.

Frame

On the frame there is the label of Henry John Murcott (1835-1910), picture frame manufacturer, 16 Hanover Street, Long Acre, London WC. The firm was at that address from 1864-1877. 1 This appears to clash with the known history of the drawing; it is possible that the work was framed in an earlier picture frame.

In addition the frame bears the label of Hollander & Koekkoek, 35a St James's Street, London' with the date of 26 October 1906. It is not clear whether this relates to an exhibition or to framing the work.