Studies of Venus (?) (recto); Studies for a Last Judgment (verso)

Depictions of reclining nymphs occur frequently in the work of Rubens, who traveled widely from his native Flanders and drew inspiration from Venetian artists such as Giorgione and Titian. Here, the Venus-like figure is depicted in three poses. At the bottom, she sleeps with her head on her right arm, while the upper studies show her caressed by a cupid and seductively gazing at the viewer. Rubens did not replicate the designs on this sheet in any known paintings, but they were likely used to develop ideas for a composition. The other side of the sheet features a drawing of angels lifting nude female figures to heaven in a Last Judgment scene. This combination of Christian themes and sensual nudes showcases Rubens’s versatility as a draftsman and his exploration of diverse subjects. Notably small for a Rubens study, this drawing is the lower half of a sheet originally twice its size. It was likely cut to increase its marketability to later collectors. Its complement is preserved at the Courtauld Gallery in London.