Male nude – torso of a male figure 1859

This 1859 oil painting by Polish artist Jan Matejko (1838–1893) depicts a male nude figure, likely a study for a larger composition. The painting is executed in a realist style, with meticulous attention to detail in the rendering of the figure's musculature and anatomy. The figure’s pose and the dark background suggest a studio setting, perhaps a life drawing session. Matejko’s early works often explored themes of history and mythology, and this study provides insight into his artistic development and process.