Staand mannelijk naakt, van achteren gezien c. 1818 - 1900

Gerard Allebé made this drawing of a standing male nude, seen from behind, using graphite on paper. The artist created soft gradations of light and shadow that articulate the figure's musculature, imbuing the artwork with a sense of volume and depth. The conscious manipulation of the graphite material—the controlled application of pressure, and the direction of the strokes—emphasizes the figure's anatomical structure, highlighting the tension and contours of the back, shoulders, and legs. This approach reflects a deep understanding of the human form, and mastery over the medium. The artist creates an aesthetic experience that extends beyond mere representation, elevating the drawing to a form of artistic expression that blends skilled craftsmanship and technical virtuosity. This artwork emphasizes the importance of the materials, the processes, and the context, challenging the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.