Mannelijk naakt, liggend op de buik over een rots 1803

This drawing of a male nude, lying prone over a rock, was made by Jacob Smies with graphite on paper. Graphite, since the late 18th century, has been a readily available material, valued for its smooth application and capacity for detailed shading. Smies uses the inherent qualities of the graphite to create a study in tonal values and textures. The softness of the graphite allows for subtle gradations of light and shadow across the model’s body and the rough surface of the rocks. The marks capture the play of light on the skin, and the weight and form of the figure. Through the skilled application of the graphite, Smies creates an artwork that elevates the traditional practice of drawing, underscoring the value of both the artist’s labor and the expressive potential of a common material. The drawing embodies the convergence of craft, fine art, and the social context of artistic production during Smies's time.