Male model 1874 - 1875

Albert Edelfelt's "Male Model" was made with oil on canvas, a traditional combination for academic figure studies. Consider the way Edelfelt has built up layers of paint. Thick brushstrokes define the musculature of the model's body, while thin washes create a sense of depth in the background. This process speaks to the labor involved in creating a painting, as the artist carefully applies each layer to achieve the desired effect. The artwork also shows us the labor and the process involved in the model's profession: to pose still for long periods of time. We can ask whether this process is simply a technique, or a way of giving dignity to both the model and the artist, neither of whom were traditionally considered subjects of great importance. By emphasizing the material and process of painting, Edelfelt elevates the subject and the act of creation itself. This reminds us that art is not just about the final image, but also about the labor and skill that go into making it.