Tekenvoorbeeld van een écorché van opzij gezien 1820 - 1833

Jean Augustin Daiwaille made this écorché drawing with graphite on paper. You see an anatomical study, a figure stripped of skin to reveal the musculature beneath. Consider the artist’s hand here, carefully tracing and shading to capture the body’s complex forms. The precise, almost clinical depiction speaks to the artist’s deep understanding of anatomy, and the amount of time involved in the production process. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about scientific accuracy. It's a fascinating intersection of art, science, and craft, with the artist acting as a conduit between observation and representation. The drawing is of a teaching aid, a tool for medical students. It is an exemplar of labor of human and the acquisition of knowledge, and the means of production in which objects and artworks are created. This emphasizes the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.