Zittend mannelijk naakt, van opzij gezien (2e prijs 1772) Possibly 1772 - 1773

Daniël Dupré drew this red chalk drawing of a seated male nude in 1772. Chalk has been used by artists for centuries, prized for its ability to create subtle gradations of tone through layering and blending. Look closely and you'll see the hatched lines building up form and shadow. The artist coaxes the material to mimic the texture and weight of human flesh. This careful handling speaks to the artist’s skill, a demonstration of technical prowess valued in academic circles. The drawing won second prize in 1772. But consider also the labor involved. Not just the artist's hours of focused work, but the model’s time holding the pose. These drawings were often made as part of an artist’s training, exercises in mastering the human form. By focusing on the materials and processes behind this image, we can appreciate the skill, labor, and social context that shaped its creation. It also forces us to reflect on the position of the model, and how his body was used for art practice.