Study for a Male Figure in "Comus–The Measure" (recto); Reclining Male Nude (verso)

Art Historical Context

George Richmond's *Study for a Male Figure "Comus–The" (recto); Reclining Male Nudeverso)* offers a captivating glimpse into the preparatory process of a 19th-century British artist closely tied to the visionary circle of William Blake. Dated before 1864, double-sided drawing draws from John Milton's masque *Comus*, a tale of temptation and virtue, for which Richmond created illustrations. As a member of the "Ancients" group with Samuel Palmer, Richmond blended classical anatomy with mystical themes, making such studies essential to his narrative works. Rendered in black chalk on a modest 11 7/16 × 8 3/4 in. sheet, the recto presents a dynamic male figure poised for the painting *Comus–The Measure*, emphasizing movement and proportion. The verso reveals a serene reclining nude, a classic academic exercise in capturing the male form's contours through subtle tonal gradations. Black chalk's velvety texture excels here, allowing Richmond to model light and shadow with economical strokes, showcasing his mastery of life drawing. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2013 through the Brooke Russell Astor Bequest, this piece from the Drawings and Prints department underscores the enduring value of preparatory sketches in art history. It invites visitors to appreciate the labor behind grand compositions, bridging Victorian restraint with the bold study of the human body.

About the Artist

George Richmond · 1809–1896

British, Brompton 1809–1896 London