Study For Perseus And Andromeda Félix Édouard Vallotton (1865-1925)

Here we observe a figure study rendered in purple crayon on a cream-colored ground. The subject is a nude female form, depicted in a dynamic pose that suggests movement and potential action. Her body leans forward, the weight seemingly shifted onto one leg while the other is raised slightly off the ground, poised mid-step. One arm extends upwards, the hand reaching as if grasping or warding something off; the other arm bends at the elbow, the forearm angled downwards.
The artist has employed a relatively loose and expressive line to delineate the form. The musculature is suggested rather than meticulously detailed, contributing to an impression of fluidity and energy. Theres a deliberate lack of precise contouring, which allows for a sense of immediacy and spontaneity in the drawing. The face, turned in profile, possesses a determined expression; the brow is furrowed, and the mouth appears set.
The composition’s focus lies on the figure’s posture and gesture. It isnt merely an anatomical study but rather an exploration of how the body can convey narrative or emotion. The upward reach of one arm, coupled with the forward lean, implies a sense of striving, perhaps resistance or even defiance. The raised leg suggests a readiness for action, a moment suspended between stillness and movement.
The handwritten inscription in the lower right corner adds another layer to the work’s meaning. While the text is illegible without further context, its presence indicates that this drawing was not solely intended as a visual exercise but also carried personal significance for the artist. It suggests a connection to a specific thought or sentiment that informed the creation of the figure study.
Subtly, theres an underlying tension between vulnerability and strength present in the depiction. The nudity exposes the subject, yet her posture communicates resilience and purpose. This interplay contributes to the drawing’s evocative power, hinting at a narrative beyond what is immediately visible on the surface.