Nude Boy, Walking to the Left 1840 - 1880

Anselm Feuerbach created this drawing of a nude boy, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, using chalk on paper. At first glance, the muted tones and delicate lines give the work a sense of classical grace. Feuerbach’s composition centers on the boy's form, meticulously rendered with subtle gradations of light and shadow. The use of hatching and cross-hatching not only defines the contours of the body but also creates a textural depth that invites closer inspection. This technique recalls the academic tradition, yet it simultaneously hints at a modern sensibility through its focus on the materiality of the medium itself. The boy’s contrapposto stance adds dynamism to the figure, suggesting movement within the stillness of the drawing. Ultimately, Feuerbach's emphasis on line and form transcends mere representation, engaging us with the visual language of art.