Seated Nude

Art Historical Context

**Seated Nude** by Solon H.lum (1868–1922) is a captivating drawing that exemplifies the artist's keen interest in the human form. Borglum, an acclaimed American sculptor best known for his realistic depictions of Western subjects like cowboys and horses, often began his sculptural works with detailed drawings. Created around the early 20th century ( not specified), this full-length study of a seated nude figure reflects his classical training and commitment to anatomical precision, honed during studies in Paris and Cincinnati. As a drawing from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection—gifted by Mr. and Mrs. A. Mervyn Davies—this piece highlights the preparatory role of sketches in sculpture. Rendered in a medium that allows for fluid lines and subtle shading, it captures the model's relaxed pose, emphasizing volume and contour. Such nudes were essential academic exercises, bridging European traditions with Borglum's emerging American realism. Displayed in the Smithsonian Collection, **Seated Nude** invites visitors to appreciate the intimate process behind monumental art, revealing how Borglum's eye for form translated from paper to bronze. A testament to early modernist draftsmanship, it underscores the enduring value of the nude in artistic exploration.