Group of Six Reclining Nude Women (Nymphs Bathing) (recto); Sketch of a Leg (verso)

Taddeo Zuccaro

1529–66 · Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, traces of red chalk (recto), red chalk (verso) · Drawings and Prints

This graceful composition exhibits Taddeo's characteristically fluid line, which renders the forms at once animated, convincingly three-dimensional, and elegantly ornamental. The sheet is a preliminary study for a group of six bathing nymphs that appear on a second, more finished drawing in the Museum’s collection (acc. no. 56.219.3) featuring a circular design with Diana, goddess of hunt, and her nymphs. It has been suggested that the design was part of a projected series of majolica illustrating the activities of Diana and would have preceded Taddeo's well-known commission to design a set of majolica for the king of Spain in 1562. Taddeo's final design for this composition is recorded in a drawing at the Musée du Louvre, Paris (inv. 9030).

Artist

Taddeo Zuccaro

Date

1529–66

Medium

Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, traces of red chalk (recto), red chalk (verso)

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1970