Seated Female Nude 1647 - 1678

Samuel van Hoogstraten's "Seated Female Nude" (1647 - 1678), a drawing housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the artist's mastery of figure studies. The composition features a nude woman in a seated pose, her form rendered with meticulous detail. The artist's use of light and shadow creates a sense of volume and depth, emphasizing the anatomical accuracy of the subject. This drawing exemplifies the academic tradition of the time, where artists sought to master the human figure through careful observation and anatomical study. The work is a testament to van Hoogstraten's skills as a draftsman and his contribution to the development of life drawing.