1932.17
Seated Nude Male Figure
Artist
Benedetto Luti
(Florence, Italy, 1666 - 1724, Rome, Italy)
Title
Seated Nude Male Figure
Creation Date
1694
Century
late 17th century
Dimensions
16 7/16 in. x 10 1/2 in. (41.8 cm. x 26.7 cm.)
Object Type
drawing
Creation Place
Europe, Italy
Medium and Support
red and white chalk on paper
Credit Line
Museum Purchase, James Phinney Baxter Fund, in memory of Professor Henry Johnson
Copyright
Public Domain
Accession Number
1932.17
Benedetto Luti signed and dated this academic study in Rome in 1694, the same year the Florentine artist was elected to the Accademia di San Luca. In 1593, this school had been the first to receive papal sanction for the use of nude male models, which quickly became an indispensable teaching tool. This carefully posed figure indicates Luti’s interest in the effects of foreshortening and chiaroscuro, challenges the draftsman took on to demonstrate his mastery of human anatomy. Teaching life drawing classes at the Accademia was the backbone of Luti’s career over several decades. By sharpening his perception and enabling him to take visual notes, the practice of life drawing helped establish Luti as one of the leading Roman painters of his generation, and as an admired connoisseur, art dealer, collector, and academician.
Additional Media
verso
