Seated Male Nude c. 18th century

Curator: This is Ubaldo Gandolfi's "Seated Male Nude," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts a man, sketched in graphite, seated on a rocky form. What strikes you first about it? Editor: The rendering of the figure. The pose exudes introspection, but the raw materiality of the drawing—the graphite on paper—creates an immediacy. It feels both classical and modern. Curator: Graphite allowed for the rapid development of ideas, linking academic practice to artisanal techniques. The cross-hatching defines form economically, revealing Gandolfi’s understanding of light and shadow but also the efficient use of materials. Editor: Absolutely. The composition, though, directs my gaze; it moves from the defined contours of the body to the loose background hatching. The tension holds the eye. Curator: Gandolfi’s workshop context is important here. Drawings like this served as models, demonstrating mastery and were circulated among his assistants. They showcase artistic production as a collaborative effort. Editor: Still, it's hard to ignore the elegance of line and the way the artist captures the essence of the human form with minimal means. It is compelling in its simplicity. Curator: Indeed. The confluence of academic training and workshop practice makes Gandolfi’s drawing an interesting artifact reflecting artistic and social values of his time. Editor: I agree, it's a testament to the enduring power of form, even in a quickly executed sketch.