Alfred George Stevens

Study of a Nude Figure

London, About 1847

Red chalk on buff paper

165 x 164 mm

This nude study is one of numerous preparatory studies for decorative frieze (now in the Walker Art Gallery) which was commissioned by the Blundell family for Deysbrook House, near Liverpool. The drawing is probably part of a larger sheet and shows the upper part of a caryatid (a figure which serves as an architectural support). The hands of the hybrid figure appear to support an architrave, whilst the lower part of the body takes the form of an acanthus leaf. Other studies are in the Tate Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Purchased 1941 (No.41.5)