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Male Nude

Gian Antonio Guardi

1725

chalk

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque 18th Century Nude

Dominant colour

Male Nude is a 1725 chalk by Gian Antonio Guardi, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Gian Antonio Guardi
When & what style?: 1725 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a man’s body drawn in loose, flowing lines. The artist used red chalk on light paper, leaving some areas almost blank. The figure’s pose is relaxed but slightly twisted, with one arm bent behind his back. The artist mixed red chalk with white to add highlights, making the lines pop. This was a common way to test ideas before painting. Next, look up Guardi, Gian Antonio to see more of his quick, expressive sketches.