William Mulready
, Irish, 1786-1863
Title
Bathers SurprisedMediumBlack, red and white chalk and crayon on paper
Dimensions
49.9 x 33.4 cm
Credit LinePurchased, 1930
Object numberNGI.2913
DescriptionThe Irish artist William Mulready was a feted genre painter. Queen Victoria was so impressed by his paintings of idealized nudes that she requested one as a gift for Prince Albert. In this study the artist concentrates on surface qualities, emphasising the softness of the female body. Natural features such as pubic hair and blemishes have been omitted as they were considered vulgar and offensive by Victorian society.Exhibition HistoryNaked Truth: The Nude in Irish Art, Crawford Art Gallery, Cork, 13 July - 28 October 2018
Finished work:/Preparatory work:
