Studie van een mannelijk naakt, liggend op zijn zij 1703 - 1775

Louis Fabritius Dubourg created this red chalk drawing on paper sometime in the 18th century. The drawing is a study of a male nude, lying on his side, and the artist has used the red chalk to great effect, creating a range of tones and textures. Notice the way Dubourg uses the chalk to create a sense of depth and volume in the figure, particularly in the muscles and contours of the body. This is achieved through the medium of earth-based pigment, combined with careful cross-hatching and blending to create the illusion of three-dimensionality on a flat surface. The choice of red chalk as a medium is significant here. It was a popular choice for figure studies during the 18th century, as its warm tones and soft texture were well-suited to capturing the nuances of human anatomy. Dubourg engaged with a well-established tradition of draftsmanship, drawing upon the techniques and conventions of academic art. But also, keep in mind that in its own way, the academic system was a mode of mass production, a factory for training artists. Paying attention to the materials and methods used by artists like Dubourg allows us to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in their work.