Zittend mannelijk naakt, op de rug gezien 1780s

Hendrik Lageman created this drawing of a seated male nude, viewed from the back, using chalk. The composition focuses on the interplay of light and shadow to define the human form. Note how the smooth gradations of tone model the muscles and contours of the back, creating a sense of three-dimensionality. The artist uses line sparingly, relying instead on subtle shifts in value to articulate the figure. This technique recalls the chiaroscuro of the Renaissance masters. Classical ideals of beauty and proportion are evident, yet the figure's somewhat contorted pose and the starkness of the setting introduce a sense of tension. The block upon which the figure sits grounds the composition, providing a stable base. The drawing can be seen as an exploration of the body, but also as a study in form and representation. Consider how Lageman's formal choices invite us to contemplate the nature of human existence.