Before the Release, No.1 (Avant la detente. I) 1930

"Before the Release, No. 1 (Avant la detente. I)" is a 1930 etching by Andre Dunoyer de Segonzac, a French artist known for his figure drawings. The artwork depicts a nude male figure in a dynamic pose, with his arms raised above his head and his body contorted in a seemingly spontaneous movement. The artist's signature, “A.D. de Segonzac,” is located in the lower right corner, and the title "épreuve d'essai," which means "proof of essay," appears in the lower left corner. This etching is characteristic of Segonzac's style, which is defined by its expressive lines and simplified forms. His works often explore themes of human movement, and this piece, in particular, exemplifies his interest in the human body. The work's title suggests a moment before a release, possibly from constraint or tension, adding a layer of intrigue to the dynamic composition.