Homme assis nu, de dos 1867 - 1869

Pierre Puvis de Chavannes made this drawing, *Homme assis nu, de dos*, with charcoal on paper. Charcoal's inherent qualities, its crumbly and easily blended nature, lend themselves to a sense of atmospheric depth, almost like a hazy memory. Look closely, and you can see how de Chavannes has exploited these qualities to create a subtly modulated surface, building up tone with repeated strokes. The texture of the paper peeks through, adding to the overall impression of softness. The choice of charcoal is also significant in social terms. It’s an inexpensive material, a basic tool for artists. In this drawing, de Chavannes embraces the immediacy and directness of the medium. He seems more interested in capturing the essence of the human form, than in creating a polished, finished work. It reminds us that even within the realm of fine art, material choices and processes can carry a powerful message.