Studies of a Young Lady

Besides a gifted painter, Rops was best known as a remarkable draughtsman and engraver. His best-known work contains much social criticism and has a satirical and pornographic slant. From 1868, the artist stayed regularly in Paris and in 1874 (the year of our drawing) he went to live there. During his stay, Rops became a celebrated artist who was put on the same level as Honoré Daumier and illustrated works by Baudelaire (‘Les Fleurs du Mal’), among others.
Our drawing depicts a beautiful study of 2 young ladies, belonging to the Parisian bourgeoisie. 

Dated above right 1874
Ticket on the back of Galerie Giroux : Galerie Georges Giroux, Inventaire du 20 Juin 1922, N° 682, F. Rops
Black cray, 27 x 17 cm (10 ⁵/₈ x 6 ³/₄ inches)