121 - L. THIERSCH (1825–1909), Study of Women, 1846, Pencil

L. THIERSCH (1825–1909), Study of Women, 1846, Pencil Ludwig Thiersch (1825 Munich – 1909 ibid.): Study of Women, 1846, Pencil Technique: Pencil on paper Inscription: Lower right, monogrammed: “L. Th.”; lower right, dated: “1846”. Date: 1846 Description: Ludwig Thiersch first studied sculpture in Munich in Ludwig Schwanthaler’s class, only to switch to painting after a short time—a move likely suggested to him by Schwanthaler himself. This was followed by extensive training in drawing techniques through tracing plaster casts of ancient statues and drapery. However, model and nude studies were also permitted at the Munich Academy at that time, from which the young students could only benefit. Soon Thiersch was allowed to join Schnorr von Carolsfeld’s “Componir” class and spent three years there, a period that proved to be extremely fruitful. In 1846, the year the *Frauenstudie* was created, Thiersch, together with his friend Carl Theodor von Piloty, became a student of Henrich Maria Heß, who, like Schnorr von Carolsfeld, belonged to the Nazarene circle. All these stages of his training are evident in the pencil study. A young woman, resembling a mythological goddess, strikes a pensive pose, wrapped in a coverlet resembling a himation. Line plays a dominant role in this drawing, although at the same time Thiersch seeks to perfect the modeling through shading. Despite the stylized costume, it is evident that the drawing was based on a live model, whose body is visible beneath the garment. When Ludwig Thiersch was born in 1825 as the son of Munich university professor Friedrich Wilhelm von Thiersch, Julius Schnorr had already been a member of the Lukasbund for eight years. An entire generation separated Thiersch from the Nazarenes, and yet he remained true to his great models throughout his body of work. Today, scholars honor him by calling him a late Nazarene. (Ludwig Thiersch. Study Sheets, Drafts, Preliminary Studies. Catalog of the exhibition at Kelkheim Town Hall (February 26–March 13, 1983); S. Heidemarie Schade, Ludwig Thiersch (1825–1909). Oil Studies and Drawings of a Late Nazarene. Catalog for the exhibition at the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum (September 30–November 18, 1979), Aachen 1979). Verso: Landscape study, dated: July 20"" Keywords: Late Nazarene, study sheet, portrait, figure, lady, fashion, robe, 19th century, Romanticism, Portraits, Germany, Size: Paper: 18.9 cm x 24.0 cm (7.4 x 9.4 in) Condition: Good condition. Slightly discolored along the edges due to age and with a few minor spots here and there.