Three Nude Male Figures; Study of the Right Hand of the Figure on the Left 1708 - 1787

"Three Nude Male Figures; Study of the Right Hand of the Figure on the Left" is a red chalk drawing by Pompeo Batoni, created sometime between 1708 and 1787. The drawing features three nude male figures, one of which is partially obscured and seen only as a hand. The drawing is likely a study for a larger painting, as it is a common practice for artists to create preliminary drawings to work out compositions and details before beginning a finished piece. The light, delicate strokes of the chalk create a sense of movement and naturalism. The drawing is a classic example of the artist’s skill in rendering the human form.