Study of Dancing Girl for "Horae Serenae"

Sir Edward John Poynter

1886–94 · Black and white chalks on brown paper · Drawings and Prints

This sensitive rendering of a pre-adolescent nude demonstrates Poynter's accomlished late draftsmanship and characteristic use of black and white chalks on reddish paper – the latter providing a middle tone. A related figure appears in his painting "Horae Serenae" ("Serene Hours," now Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery), exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1894. A preeminent academic draftsman, Poyner became Director of the National Gallery in the latter year, and President of the Royal Academy in 1896. He typically made life studies for each figure in his paintings, often devoting additional details to arms and hands.

Artist

Sir Edward John Poynter

Date

1886–94

Medium

Black and white chalks on brown paper

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Roberta J.M. Olson and Alexander B.V. Johnson, 2017