Eduard Daege

The history painter Eduard Daege was trained at the Berlin Academy, where he soon distinguished himself artistically as a master-class student of Karl Wilhelm Wach. From 1826 onwards he contributed regularly to the exhibitions at the Academy, where he was represented by religious and allegorical themes. From 1832 to 1833 Daege traveled in Italy and after his return settled in Berlin. Daege was a much-sought-after and highly successful artist who specialized in historical themes and Italian and Biblical genre scenes. His religious painting in particular reflected the influence of the Nazarenes. In 1835, together with Carl Blechen, Johan Christian Clausen Dahl and Johann Wilhelm Schirmer, Daege was admitted to the Berlin Academy as a "history painter". The numerous public offices the artist later held are an indication of his renown.

The present nude study of a young woman standing testifies to Daege’s talent as a draughtsman. The study has a considerable presence and is treated in a fluid, masterly drawing style. There is a delightful contrast between the sketchily indicated legs and the detail of the face and upper body of this exotic beauty. Sharply pointed chalk has been used for the accurate outlines of her arms, breasts and belly, while the subtle use of red chalk adds contours to the ample female body and enhances the warmth of the flesh-tints. A subtle wiping technique generates soft chiaroscuro transitions, while striking individual details are also brought out effectively. The artist has used a sharp charcoal pencil to emphasize the long, jet black strands of hair to good effect, and the bound hands are rendered tenderly and with great delicacy. He has thus created a convincing and sensuous image of feminine charm.