Zittend mannelijk naakt, op de rug gezien (3e prijs 1781) Possibly 1781 - 1783

Jacques Kuyper made this red chalk drawing of a seated male nude in 1781. Executed in red chalk, the inherent qualities of the material greatly influence the appearance of the artwork. Red chalk is valued for its softness and the warmth of its color, which allows for nuanced shading and a life-like depiction of skin tones. The drawing was made with hatching and cross-hatching to define the muscles of the male figure, sitting on what appears to be a classical-style plinth. Kuyper won 3rd prize for this drawing, which suggests that he was enrolled in an art academy and subjected to the classic pedagogy which emphasized the human form as essential knowledge for artists. But the materiality of red chalk elevates this drawing beyond a mere academic exercise; the artist was concerned with portraying the softness of human flesh. Paying attention to materials, making, and context allows us to understand the full meaning of an artwork and challenges the traditional view that separates fine art and craft.