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A Man Seen from Behind, Rising on Clouds

William Blake

1794

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century Nude

Dominant colour

A Man Seen from Behind, Rising on Clouds is a 1794 graphite by William Blake, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: William Blake
When & what style?: 1794 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a single figure from behind, standing on clouds. The lines are loose and quick, almost like a hurried sketch. The body is nude, and the legs are slightly bent, as if the person is about to step forward. The artist left out details like faces and clothing, focusing on movement and shape instead. This style fits a time when artists cared more about emotion than perfect lines. Look up Blake, William to see how his other sketches compare.