Zittend mannelijk naakt, van voren gezien (2e prijs 1808) Possibly 1808

Jean Augustin Daiwaille made this work, *Seated Male Nude, Front View*, with graphite around 1808. Notice the precise lines, with their controlled shading that model the figure and the block he sits on. The overall effect is one of poised stillness. The composition adheres to a classical structure, presenting the male nude in a contemplative pose, reminiscent of ancient sculptures. Yet, the drawing departs from idealization. The model's expression, turned slightly away, is pensive, and his musculature, while defined, conveys a sense of naturalism. The texture of the graphite lends a tactile quality to the skin, enhancing the drawing’s realism. This work destabilizes established meanings by blending classical form with an understated emotional depth. Daiwaille invites us to reconsider the established conventions of academic drawing, pushing the boundaries of representation. The artwork’s significance lies not only in its technical skill but also in its subtle commentary on the shifting values of its time.