Three sketches of male nudes for the painting ‘Martyrdom of St. Matthias’ 1866 - 1867

These three sketches of male nudes were made by Józef Simmler, using graphite on paper as preparatory studies for his painting ‘Martyrdom of St. Matthias’. Here we see the artist's hand at work, using thin, tentative lines to explore the human form and the poses of the figures in his composition. Note the texture of the paper, its roughness adds depth to the drawings, allowing the graphite to catch and create subtle variations in tone. The process of sketching is evident in the layered lines and corrections, revealing the artist's thought process as he refines his ideas. The choice of graphite as a medium is significant. It's an accessible and versatile material, often associated with preliminary work and studies. Unlike the labor-intensive process of painting, sketching allows for quick and fluid exploration of form and composition. These sketches remind us that even the most polished finished works often begin with humble materials and processes. By valuing these preliminary stages, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the artist's vision and the labor involved in bringing it to life.