Anatomical Study (écorché). Torso of a flayed man seen from the back half turned to the right 1628 - 1630

Willem Panneels created this anatomical study of a flayed torso with pen and brown ink in the 17th century. The drawing presents us with a stark, muscular form, meticulously rendered with dense, directional lines. The artist’s hand is evident in the cross-hatching, building shadow and volume to reveal the underlying structure of the human body. Panneels's technique here is not just descriptive; it’s interpretive. Through his concentration on texture and form, the artist engages with the broader concept of how we understand the human body – not as a unified whole, but as a collection of layered, interconnected systems. This approach breaks down conventional notions of beauty and wholeness, prompting viewers to confront a deconstructed, almost alien version of themselves. Consider the absence of color; the monochrome palette forces us to focus on the interplay of light and shadow, on the raw structure beneath the skin. This stripping away of superficial elements encourages a deeper investigation into the materiality of the human form, challenging us to reconsider our own perceptions of self and mortality.