Back View of a Seated Male Nude 1599 - 1661

Andrea Sacchi made this drawing of a seated nude male in the 17th century, using red chalk on paper. The choice of red chalk is significant. Its earthy tone lends warmth to the figure, emphasizing the subject’s flesh and blood. You can see how the artist varied the pressure to model the form, creating an illusion of three-dimensionality. The marks range from the softest whisper on the surface of the paper to a more robust stroke, defining the musculature of the back. The artist likely prepared the chalk stick to get the right consistency. The process of repeated strokes and the buildup of material is crucial to the drawing’s impact. This wasn’t just a quick sketch. It was an exercise intended to demonstrate Sacchi’s skill in rendering the human form, a key element of his artistic training. So the next time you come across a drawing, consider not just the image it presents, but the ways in which its material qualities contribute to its meaning.