Language of the Body: Drawings by Pierre-Paul Prud'hon

by John Elderfield

French artist Pierre-Paul Prud'hon (1758-1823) is best known as a painter of mythological and allegorical subjects that impressed his younger contemporaries Theodore Gericault and Eugene Delacroix. Fully as deserving of attention is a series of exquisite chalk studies - known as academies - that he made throughout his career. These drawings of male and female nudes - many of which have never before been published - are the focus of this beautiful and unique book.
In his text, John Elderfield first discusses Prud'hon's life and work, examining the complexities and contradictions of his career and his singular place in the art of his time, including his role in the creation of the modern female nude. Then he considers the drawings themselves.
Following the text are fifty-seven of Prud'hon's finest drawings - reproduced in full color - carefully selected and arranged by Robert Gordon to unfold in a visual display of gesture and form. The book concludes with the author's notes and a selected bibliography.

Genres: Drawing, Art

221 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996

About the author

John Elderfield (25 April 1943 - ) was Chief Curator of Painting and Sculpture at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, from 2003 to 2008.

Elderfield studied the history of art at the University of Manchester and the University of Leeds. He received his PhD from the Courtauld Institute of Art in 1975.

Elderfield received the award of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the French Government.

Reviews

[Martha Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is filled with classical nude drawings of the human figure. Most of the drawings are done with black and white chalk or charcoal on paper. Art students studying drawing and anatomy will love this book. The drawings by Pierre-Paul Prud'hon are absolutely breath taking. As art books on chalk drawings go, this is one of the very best. I love it. And I will buy this for my library. I would put this on my coffee table.