Staand mannelijk naakt, op de rug gezien (1e prijs 1812) Possibly 1812

This sanguine drawing, "Standing Male Nude, Seen from the Back," was created by Jean Augustin Daiwaille in 1812. The figure dominates the composition, its back muscles rendered with meticulous detail and a striking use of hatching. A block grounds the figure, enhancing the contrast between the organic and the geometric. The drawing evokes a sense of classical sculpture infused with a lifelike vulnerability. Daiwaille’s technique reflects a deep engagement with form. The body's slight contrapposto suggests movement, while the precise lines and cross-hatching not only define the musculature but also play with light and shadow. The subtle use of sanguine lends warmth to the figure, contrasting with the cool, empty space surrounding it. This play of warmth and coolness, presence and absence, destabilizes traditional academic figure studies. The drawing's power lies in its formal articulation of the human form. By emphasizing the body's structure and its interplay with light, Daiwaille invites viewers to contemplate the complex relationship between anatomy, artistry, and perception. The artwork becomes an exploration of seeing and understanding the body, challenging our fixed notions of beauty and representation.