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Male Nude with Staff

Walter Shirlaw

1872

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Nude

Dominant colour

Male Nude with Staff is a 1872 graphite by Walter Shirlaw, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Walter Shirlaw
When & what style?: 1872 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image depicts a male figure standing in a dynamic pose, with his back turned towards the viewer. He is holding a staff in his right hand, which is raised above his head, while his left hand rests on a rock or ledge beside him. The figure is rendered in graphite on wove paper, with a focus on the play of light and shadow on his body. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's eye to the figure's muscular form. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, as if the figure is lost in thought. To learn more about the artist's use of light and shadow, explore the technique of chiaroscuro.