Liggend academienaakt 1755 - 1818

Egbert van Drielst made this academic nude study with pen in brown ink around the late 18th century. The red-brown ink is used here in a very particular way. Notice how van Drielst builds up the form of the figure with careful hatching, the fine parallel lines create a sense of volume, and the texture of the skin. The contrast between light and shadow creates a powerful sense of depth. Academic drawing was a key element in the training of artists at this time. It was a way to learn about anatomy and the proportions of the human body, and how to represent these accurately. In this case, the artist engages with the skilled traditions of draftsmanship, which have their own histories of creative practices and aesthetics, distinct from both craft and fine art. It is a testament to the importance of materials, and the making process in understanding the full meaning of an artwork. This challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.