Studie van zittend mannelijk naakt, van opzij gezien, naar rechts 1776 - 1822

This drawing of a seated male nude was made by Hermanus Fock, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century. It’s rendered in black chalk, a material that offers a soft, velvety texture ideal for capturing the nuances of light and shadow on the human form. The use of chalk is interesting. Unlike pen and ink or more formal painting, chalk lends itself to studies. It’s a medium that encourages a certain freedom and allows for adjustments as the artist explores the contours of the body. You can see this in the subtle gradations of tone, which give the figure a sculptural quality. Drawings like this were crucial for artists developing their skills, particularly in representing the human body. It’s a tradition stretching back to the Renaissance, rooted in careful observation. While we might see this as a finished work today, it's important to recognize it as a step in a longer process of artistic development. Appreciating the material and the act of drawing itself helps us understand its place within the artist’s practice.