Zittend mannelijk naakt, op de rug gezien c. 1812

This drawing, "Zittend mannelijk naakt, op de rug gezien" or "Seated Male Nude, Seen from the Back," was made by A. Waterloo using graphite on paper. Look closely and you will see the artist's control of the medium. Waterloo coaxes a range of tonal values from the graphite, creating shadows, highlights, and detailed textures. Graphite is a relatively common material, and drawing is often considered preliminary, a preparation for painting. But in this case, the draftsmanship takes center stage. The materiality of the graphite, smooth and precise, emphasizes the muscularity of the figure and the rough texture of the stone. The use of hatching and cross-hatching techniques demonstrates the artist's mastery, as it creates depth and volume with simple lines. By focusing on the process and materiality of the drawing, we can appreciate the work as a skilled exploration of form and texture. This challenges traditional notions of art that prioritize only the subject, not the craft.