Nude figure studies and an ornamental grotesque candelabrum
Groups of nudes at left; a winged grotesque supporting a vase at right
A pen-and-ink sheet that pairs studies of the nude human figure at the left with an elaborate ornamental design at the right. On the left a cluster of intertwined nudes seems to carry or support one another, while further standing male nudes are drawn below and at the centre, one seen from behind. The right side develops a grotesque candelabrum: a winged female grotesque rises from scrolling foliage to bear a fluted vase, with serpentine and dolphin-like forms coiling to a small seated woman at the lower corner. No transcribed text accompanies the sheet.
On this page
Groups and single nudes
The left half of the sheet gathers several studies of nude bodies: an entangled group at the top in which figures appear to lift or embrace one another, and standing nudes below, including one turned to show the back. The poses explore weight, contrapposto and the play of muscle.
Winged grotesque candelabrum
The right side is a decorative invention built vertically like a candelabrum. A fluted vase or tazza sits atop scrolling foliage, beneath which a bare-breasted winged grotesque spreads her wings; coiling serpent- and dolphin-like scrolls descend to a small seated female figure at the lower corner.
