Etude de nu ; hommes jouant du violon 

Luc-Olivier Merson made this nude study of men with violins using chalk on paper. The brown paper provides a warm background tone, against which the artist has built up form using both black and white chalk. The black chalk defines the contours and shadows, while the white chalk highlights the figures, giving them volume and depth. The strokes are clearly visible, revealing the artist’s hand and process. There are also some subtle differences in how the two figures are rendered, with one being more defined. While it's a sketch, not a fully resolved painting, it's clear that Merson was concerned with the physicality and presence of his subjects. The slight roughness and immediacy of chalk contribute to this effect. Ultimately, the artwork reminds us that even a simple medium like chalk can be used to create a complex and compelling image, demonstrating the artist's skill and understanding of materials.