Nymph. 1827-1828 Karl Pavlovich Bryullov (1799-1852)

Here we observe a study in charcoal depicting a female figure viewed from behind. The composition is dominated by the curve of her spine and the tautness of her buttocks, rendered with a delicate yet assured line. Her head is tilted upward, suggesting an engagement with something beyond the viewers perspective; her arms are raised, as if reaching or supporting herself.
The artist’s handling of charcoal creates a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. The marks are loose and expressive, conveying a feeling of movement and vitality rather than precise anatomical detail. There is a deliberate lack of hard outlines, allowing the figure to emerge from the surrounding space through tonal variations. This technique contributes to an overall impression of fragility and ethereality.
The background appears to be suggestive of foliage or dense vegetation, sketched with swirling lines that further enhance the sense of enclosure and natural setting. The lower portion of the drawing contains smaller, more gestural sketches of feet and ankles, likely preliminary studies for the figure’s placement within the composition.
Subtly, there is a tension between vulnerability and strength present in the work. While the nudity exposes the subject to scrutiny, her posture conveys a sense of self-possession and perhaps even defiance. The upward gaze implies aspiration or longing, hinting at an inner life beyond mere physical representation. The drawing seems less concerned with portraying a specific individual than with exploring themes of feminine form, natural beauty, and the human connection to the environment.