Study for 'The Shulamite'

This is a preparatory drawing for Moore's oil painting 'The Shulamite Relating to her Maidens the Glories of King Solomon', also in the collection of the Walker Art Gallery (WAG 2904). The Shulamite is a person from Shulem, a small village mentioned in the Bible. It is the name given to the female protagonist in the Song of Songs or Song of Solomon. Moore depicts a highly classical scene, not necessarily related to the context of the Bible. Moore has signed the drawing with an anthemion or palmette, a motif which resembles the leaves of a palm tree. He commonly used this as his signature.