Male Nude (Adam) 1506

"Male Nude (Adam)" is a 1506 drawing by Albrecht Durer, now housed at the Albertina in Vienna. Durer, a master of Northern Renaissance art, employed a methodical approach to depicting the human form, evident in the intricate system of circles and lines overlaying the figure. This drawing, a study for a larger work, exemplifies Durer's interest in scientific observation and the application of mathematical principles to art. The figure's pose, muscular definition, and precise anatomical details highlight the artist's meticulous attention to realism. The drawing exemplifies a crucial aspect of the Renaissance: the pursuit of knowledge through empirical study and the integration of classical ideals into artistic practice.