Seated male nude turning his head to the left 1600 - 1624

This anonymous red chalk drawing from the early 17th century depicts a seated male nude, turned to the left, with his right arm resting on his left thigh. The figure appears to be in a relaxed, contemplative pose, with a subtle sense of movement. The artist's focus on the anatomical details of the body, particularly the muscles and form, suggests this drawing is a study for a larger work. Such studies were common practice for Renaissance artists, and this piece is a valuable example of the artistic process. It is currently housed in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen.