Zittend vrouwelijk naakt, op de rug gezien 1874 - 1925

This drawing of a seated nude woman, seen from the back, was made by Jan Veth sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. It’s rendered in graphite on paper, humble materials for an image that nonetheless has considerable power. Veth’s choice of graphite allows for delicate gradations of tone, which he uses to model the planes of the figure's back and shoulders. You can see the subtle shifts in pressure he applied to the pencil, creating a sense of depth and volume. This reflects the academic training Veth received, emphasizing careful observation and skillful rendering. Yet, the drawing also has a distinctly modern feel, particularly in its unidealized depiction of the female form. The woman's body is rendered with a palpable sense of weight and presence, her muscles and bones clearly defined. This honest portrayal challenges traditional notions of beauty, inviting us to appreciate the human form in all its imperfect glory. Ultimately, it’s the artist’s careful process that gives the work its unique character.