Mannelijk naakt knielend op één knie, de linkerarm gestrekt 1700 - 1800

This drawing of a male nude, now in the Rijksmuseum, was made anonymously, using red chalk on paper. The ochre paper provides a warm ground for the bold sanguine strokes that define the figure’s contours and musculature. You can see how the artist built up the form with layers of hatching, a technique demanding control and patience. The grainy texture of the chalk lends a softness to the skin, contrasting with the tautness of the pose. The unknown artist clearly possessed anatomical knowledge and a strong command of chiaroscuro, the manipulation of light and shadow to create volume. Drawings like this were often exercises, or preparatory studies for larger compositions like paintings or sculptures. While the artist’s identity is lost to history, their skill speaks volumes about the rigorous training and artistic conventions of their time. This work reminds us that artistic skill relies upon learned techniques, and sustained labor. Appreciating this process helps us move beyond the divide between art and craft.