Study of a recumbent nude male figure
1800
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1800
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This black-and-white drawing shows a relaxed man lying on his side, one arm bent under his head, the other resting by his hip. His legs are slightly bent at the knees, and his back muscles curve softly as he faces away from us. The shading is smooth, with no harsh lines—just gradual tones to show the shape of his body. The artist labeled this a "study," meaning it was likely practice for something bigger. The paper has a yellowed edge, like an old sketchbook page. Look up cross-hatching next to see how artists build shadows with lines.
