A Nude Girl Seated on a Bed
London, 1899
Pen and ink, brown wash on paper
27.6 x 21.4 cm
This is one of a number of studies that Orpen made of Emily Scobel, a model at the Slade School of Art where he was studying at this date.
The drawings culminated in an oil of a seated figure titled The English Nude, though it was not based directly on this work. Studies such as this reflect the artist’s interest in Rembrandt’s female nudes with their air of earthy realism. Orpen’s use of pen and ink and brown wash applied with a brush also recall the Dutch master’s practice as a draughtsman.
Purchased in 1953 (No. 53.3)
