Staand mannelijk naakt, van voren gezien (3e prijs 1768) 1768

Johannes van Dregt created this red chalk drawing of a standing nude male in 1768, for which he won third prize. The practice of drawing nude figures was a cornerstone of artistic training in 18th-century academies, as it had been for centuries before. Rooted in classical ideals, these academies were institutions that played a key role in shaping artistic taste and regulating artistic production, reinforcing social hierarchies. The nude figure became a symbol of academic prowess, and competitions like the one van Dregt participated in were important platforms for young artists seeking recognition. The Dutch Republic, with its emphasis on civic virtue, had its own unique take on this tradition. While celebrating the body's beauty, there was also a moral undercurrent, reminding viewers of human vulnerability. By studying archival records of the art academy, we can see the complex interplay between artistic conventions, institutional power, and broader social values in the making of art.