Mannelijk naakt, liggend, de armen op de rug 1726

Louis Fabritius Dubourg made this drawing of a reclining nude male, likely in the mid-18th century, using red chalk on paper. Chalk is a relatively direct medium, allowing for a spontaneous translation of the artist’s perception to the page. The softness of the material invites blending and subtle gradations of tone, which Dubourg uses to great effect here, modeling the figure’s musculature and suggesting the play of light across his body. The hatching marks in the background are more assertive, creating a sense of depth and volume. Drawings like these were common in academic settings, where artists trained by studying the human form. They are often seen as preliminary studies, steps on the way to a finished painting or sculpture. Yet we can also appreciate this drawing as a finished work in its own right, one that reveals Dubourg’s mastery of his materials, and his skill in capturing the beauty and complexity of the human body. By considering the ways in which the drawing was made, we can gain a deeper understanding of its artistic value, beyond its status as a mere study.