Zittend vrouwelijk naakt, op de rug gezien 1794

Jacques Kuyper created this drawing of a seated nude, seen from the back, using graphite and possibly some chalk on paper. The grey hues of the paper support the tonality, enabling depth to be created with the material. Kuyper has employed delicate, controlled strokes and shading to capture the soft contours of the figure. Drawing as a discipline was a crucial element of academic training in the 18th century. It served as a foundation for other art forms, such as painting and sculpture, and was seen as a way to develop both technical skill and artistic sensibility. The controlled use of graphite, demanding precision and patience, reflects the values upheld by academic traditions. In a society undergoing significant social and economic change, the detailed craftsmanship of drawing upheld the standards of skill and refinement, and the artist’s ability to capture the human form with accuracy and grace. Recognizing the value of materials, making, and context encourages a more profound appreciation of its artistic value, defying traditional divides.