Stående mandlig model, set fra ryggen, stav i ventre hånd, højre arm og ben afskåret 1875

This drawing, "Standing Male Model, Seen From the Back," was created by Joakim Skovgaard. Although we don't know exactly when it was made, it would have been created using graphite on paper. The qualities of graphite, its ability to create smooth gradations of tone, and its responsiveness to pressure, allow for a detailed rendering of the human form. Skovgaard uses these qualities to his advantage, capturing the subtle play of light and shadow across the model's back, shoulders, and legs. The marks on the left of the figure show some attempts at technical construction through the process of drawing, which would have been part of the formal training. This study speaks to the academic traditions of art education, where mastering the depiction of the human body was seen as essential, thus highlighting the link between artistic skill and the value of labor. The use of graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, suggests a focus on skill and technique, rather than the inherent value of the materials themselves.