Nude Model, Standing 1891

This is James McNeill Whistler's 'Nude Model, Standing', made with graphite on paper. The choice of graphite as a medium influences the artwork's appearance, because its inherent qualities of substance, texture, weight, color, and form allow for delicate lines, shading, and subtle tonal variations. Consider how the drawing was made and how those processes have imbued the artwork with social and cultural significance. In creating the artwork, Whistler engaged with traditional techniques of life drawing, and academic art training. These practices, rooted in the study of the human form, reflect the hierarchies and power dynamics of the art world. The choice of graphite, a relatively inexpensive material, suggests a focus on accessibility and immediacy. The amount of work involved in producing the artwork, while not as labor-intensive as some other mediums, still requires skill, training, and artistic vision. By examining the materials, making process, and context of 'Nude Model, Standing', we gain a deeper appreciation for its significance and its place within art history.