Female Roman Statue Seen from the Back

The drawing Female Roman Statue Seen from the Back by Nicolas Poussin is a detailed study rendered using pen and brush with brown ink over a preliminary sketch in black chalk on laid paper. This technical approach highlights Poussin’s early mastery of line and shadow, essential skills he perfected during his formative years spent studying classical sculpture. The subject is a female figure draped in voluminous classical attire, observed from a low rear angle that emphasizes the complexity and weight of the marble form’s drapery.

The foundation of black chalk provides the underlying architectural structure and placement, which Poussin then overlays with dynamic and expressive ink work. The delicate, hatching strokes define the precise contours of the figure, while heavier washes of brown ink are strategically applied to create deep pockets of shadow and define the three-dimensional quality of the statue’s garment. This detailed method was crucial for French artists of the 17th century, enabling them to translate the monumentality and solidity of ancient Roman sculpture onto two-dimensional paper.

As a pivotal French artist, Poussin repeatedly turned to ancient models to inform his celebrated history paintings, viewing classical antiquity not just as a source of subject matter but as a manual for ideal form. Although Poussin’s career flourished primarily in the 17th century, the subject matter and emphasis on classical perfection reflect the high ideals of the earlier Renaissance period, culturally spanning from 1551 to 1600 across European artistic centers. This work is likely one of many preparatory studies that formed the artist’s personal visual library. This important drawing currently resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, providing scholars with invaluable insight into Poussin’s rigorous artistic process. Due to its status and age, this master study is often cited and made available through public domain resources, allowing students worldwide to examine the foundational techniques of this master draftsman.