Group of Six Reclining Nude Women (Nymphs Bathing) (recto); Sketch of a Leg (verso)
This graceful composition exhibits Taddeo's characteristically fluid line, which renders the forms at once animated, convincingly three-dimensional, and elegantly ornamental. The sheet is a preliminary study for a group of six bathing nymphs that appear on a second, more finished drawing in the Museum’s collection (acc. no. 56.219.3) featuring a circular design with Diana, goddess of hunt, and her nymphs. It has been suggested that the design was part of a projected series of majolica illustrating the activities of Diana and would have preceded Taddeo's well-known commission to design a set of majolica for the king of Spain in 1562. Taddeo's final design for this composition is recorded in a drawing at the Musée du Louvre, Paris (inv. 9030).
Artwork Details
- Title: Group of Six Reclining Nude Women (Nymphs Bathing) (recto); Sketch of a Leg (verso)
- Artist: Taddeo Zuccaro (Italian, Sant'Angelo in Vado 1529–1566 Rome)
- Date: 1529–66
- Medium: Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash, traces of red chalk (recto), red chalk (verso)
- Dimensions: sheet: 4 7/8 x 4 7/8 in. (12.4 x 12.4 cm)
- Classification: Drawings
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1970
- Object Number: 1970.101.20
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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