Half-Figure of a Nude Man Facing Left, Head of a Satyr 1590 - 1640

This drawing, "Half-Figure of a Nude Man Facing Left, Head of a Satyr," is a study by Peter Paul Rubens, the famous Flemish Baroque painter. Rubens was known for his dynamic figures, often depicted in dramatic poses and with strong contrasts of light and shadow. This drawing, dated between 1590 and 1640, showcases his skill in rendering the human form, evident in the precise contours and subtle shading of the nude male figure. The inclusion of the head of a satyr suggests a possible study for a mythological scene, a subject matter frequently explored in Rubens's work. The drawing is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where art lovers can appreciate the artist's mastery of anatomy and composition through this intimate, preparatory sketch.