The Art Model

With her back turned to us, the viewer look across to a female artist facing us, whose gaze is fixed on the artist’s model. Female art students were not allowed to paint directly from nude models around this time, but were restricted to work from casts and copy existing drawings,  so it is of interest to see this artist showing a female painter in the room.

Even though we are not sure of the artist, we can say with confidence it is by a very competent hand. The flesh tones have been layered to give the different tones, shadows and texture of the flesh. The glow of a light shimmers on the models back, while the sunlight rests on her shoulder and leg.

The date looks to be around 1910 judging by the green shawl and hat of the lady in the background.

Models are often thought of as muses, a source of inspiration, without whom the art would not exist