Zittend mannelijk naakt, op de rug gezien (2e prijs 1790) Possibly 1790 - 1791

In 1790, Jacob Smies made this drawing in graphite. Smies renders the male nude with remarkable detail. The sensitive gradations of shading demonstrate a mastery of graphite technique. Here, graphite is not merely a means to an end, but is celebrated in its own right. This highly refined approach draws attention to the artist's skill and labor. Graphite’s accessibility lent itself well to democratic ideals, as drawing became increasingly popular in the 18th century. But, let's not forget that Smies’s graphite drawing exists within a context of academic tradition. Consider the role of the academy in shaping artistic taste, and the social hierarchies inherent in such institutions. This drawing bridges the gap between the accessibility of graphite and the exclusiveness of academic art. It underscores the significance of material and technique, inviting us to appreciate the skills involved and question traditional boundaries between art forms.