Study of a Young Model ca. 1830 William Henry Hunt This sensitive watercolor is one of several that Hunt devoted to Black subjects—most of the others represent children. Formerly described as a boxer, the young man’s unmarred body suggests a less punishing profession, and he may have been one of the street performers, or Black minstrels, befriended by the artist. Hunt gave private lessons to amateur watercolorists, and this work would have been a useful model for them to copy—especially the women, barred from life-drawing classes at that time. Delicately stippled washes describe the body, with

Study of a Young Model ca. 1830 William Henry Hunt This sensitive watercolor is one of several that Hunt devoted to Black subjects—most of the others represent children. Formerly described as a boxer, the young man’s unmarred body suggests a less punishing profession, and he may have been one of the street performers, or Black minstrels, befriended by the artist. Hunt gave private lessons to amateur watercolorists, and this work would have been a useful model for them to copy—especially the women, barred from life-drawing classes at that time. Delicately stippled washes describe the body, with broader strokes used for the pushed-up trousers. Personal disabilities strengthened Hunt’s appreciation for the muscular form—his stunted growth made walking difficult—keeping him from his father’s tin-plating workshop, but freeing him to pursue Study of a Young Model. William Henry Hunt (British, London 1790–1864 London). ca. 1830. Watercolor over graphite with reductive techniques. Drawings

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