Homme nu debout de dos, les deux bras croisés dans le dos 1878 - 1882

Pierre Puvis de Chavannes made this sketch, "Homme nu debout de dos, les deux bras croisés dans le dos" or "Standing nude man from the back, arms crossed behind the back," during the 19th century in France. The image presents a classical subject – the male nude – but does so in a way that reflects the changing artistic and social landscape of the time. The academic tradition emphasized idealized forms and historical or mythological narratives, but here, the emphasis is on the study of the human form itself, presented without overt heroism or symbolism. France, at this time, was dealing with rapid industrialization, urbanization, and political upheaval, and the art world was also undergoing significant transformations. Artists started challenging the established norms of the Academy. Researching the archives of the French Academy and the artist's personal correspondence can give us a better insight into the dialogue between tradition and innovation present in this artwork. By understanding these contexts, we can better understand how the art reflects and challenges the society in which it was created.