Zittend mannelijk naakt 1780s - 1790s

Steven Goblé made this drawing, 'Zittend mannelijk naakt', using pen in gray ink. The composition is dominated by the nude male figure seated thoughtfully, his body rendered with careful attention to musculature and anatomical detail. The monochromatic palette focuses our attention on the interplay of light and shadow across the figure's form. The subject sits on a simple geometric block, a deliberate choice that contrasts with the organic curves of the human body. This juxtaposition highlights a classical struggle between idealized form and lived reality. The figure's contemplative pose, with his hand supporting his head, evokes a sense of intellectual or emotional depth, inviting the viewer to ponder the subject's inner world. The delicate strokes of gray ink used to define the contours of the figure’s body explore themes of humanism and the aesthetics of the human form, echoing the enlightenment's interest in reason and individualism. This artistic decision emphasizes the structure and composition of the piece, and invites ongoing interpretation.