The initial analysis of this charcoal drawing on paper depicts an image of Jocaste, Oedipus’s wife, dancing. It is related to a number of paintings that Renoir began in 1895
in which mythological themes were explored. Further, it was quite possibly a preliminary drawing for the painting entitled “Jocaste” that later became part of a collection in Japan (where it was known as “Shinden no mai” or “Dance at the Shrine”). It is considered to be the mate to a painting of Oedipus that was installed in Renoir’s studio at Cagnes.
The theme of the female and her graceful movements is central to the art of Renoir and this drawing exemplifies the artist’s strong emphasis on contour. One can also see Renoir seeking to express his forms in terms of the modulation of light and shadow. The use of veils flowing around the body gives the drawing a sense of dramatic, yet restrained movement, while the monumental rendering of the figure portrays a sense of great substance.
Loc: G.H. pp42c