Female Nude, c. 1880-1890
Marcel Balleroyexpand_more
Charcoal on laid paperexpand_more
Gift of Martin Weinsteinexpand_more 2017.112.3
Not on Viewexpand_more
Marcel Balleroy’s drawing of a female nude is part of a centuries-old tradition of working from the live model. Indeed, mastery of drawing the human figure has long been considered an essential skill for painters and sculptors. Rendered in charcoal, which allows for easy erasure, the drawing delineates the anatomical structure of the model through the interplay of light and dark values on the surface of the body. Balleroy also emphasizes the model’s feminine qualities, such as her luminous skin and abundant hair gathered and tied at the back of her head. The detail, finish, and size of the drawing suggests that the drawing is not a preliminary study, but was instead intended as an independent work of art. The artist’s prominent signature also supports this conclusion. Though little is known about Balleroy’s life or practice, the quality and sophistication of this drawing suggests he was a professional artist or highly accomplished amateur.
Details
- Title
- Female Nude
- Artist Life
- active 19th century
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2017.112.3
- Provenance
- Sale, Sotheby's, New York, 10/23/07, unsold; (Molly Klobe, Chamberlain Gallery, New York, sold to Weinstein); Lora and Martin Weinstein, Minneapolis; given to MIA, 2017
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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