Two Studies of a Seated Woman

Taking advantage of the sheet’s horizontal format, Watteau drew the same woman twice, shifting only his viewpoint and distance from the model. The complex folds of her dress are executed in a great economy of means – with nervous hatching and blank reserves. Watteau made hundreds of similar figure studies, which he often reused in his paintings.

Two Studies of a Seated Woman

Taking advantage of the sheet’s horizontal format, Watteau drew the same woman twice, shifting only his viewpoint and distance from the model. The complex folds of her dress are executed in a great economy of means – with nervous hatching and blank reserves. Watteau made hundreds of similar figure studies, which he often reused in his paintings.