#07420 Elihu Vedder (1836-1923)

The drawing presents a female figure in dynamic motion. She is positioned in profile, but with a pronounced torsion that reveals elements of her front and back. The artist has rendered her in what appears to be a preparatory study, indicated by the inscription at the bottom, suggesting an unfinished or exploratory work.
Here we see a woman draped in flowing fabric; it clings loosely to her body, revealing the contours of her form while simultaneously obscuring them. The drapery is not merely decorative but actively contributes to the sense of movement and fluidity. One arm is raised high above her head, as if reaching or gesturing expansively, while the other falls across her torso. Her posture suggests a dance or ritualistic action; theres an energy conveyed through the angle of her body and the way the fabric swirls around her legs.
The artist’s use of line is particularly noteworthy. The strokes are quick and confident, capturing the essence of movement rather than precise detail. Hatching and cross-hatching create a sense of volume and shadow, defining the form beneath the drapery. The lack of extensive shading contributes to the sketch-like quality of the work, emphasizing its role as a study.
Subtly, theres an element of vulnerability present in the figure’s pose. While the raised arm suggests power or aspiration, the exposed skin and the swirling fabric also imply fragility and exposure. The inscription at the bottom, while providing context about the drawings purpose, also serves to ground the image within a specific artistic process – a moment of creation and exploration rather than a finished product. This adds another layer of meaning, hinting at the artist’s engagement with form, movement, and the human body as subjects for study and representation.