Artwork Page for Male Academy with Wings

Details / Information for Male Academy with Wings

Male Academy with Wings

1745–50

François Boucher

(French, 1703–1770)
Culture
France, 18th century
Medium
red chalk on cream laid paper
Support
Cream laid paper, laid down on cream laid paper
Measurements
Overall: 30.1 x 37.1 cm (11 7/8 x 14 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Muriel Butkin 2008.350
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Academically trained artists often practiced drawing live models. Called academies, these figure studies occasionally served as preparatory drawings for paintings. Some artists crafted their academies to appeal to collectors interested in contemplating technical skill and inventiveness. Boucher may have imaginatively given wings to this male nude, who does not appear in any known painting, to demonstrate his ingenuity by transforming the model into a mythological figure.
A horizontally oriented red chalk drawing on cream paper depicts a nude, muscular man with light skin tone. He sits leaning forward, his head tilted down toward our left. Large wings emerge from his back, reaching toward the upper corners. His right leg is bent with the knee raised, while his left leg is tucked. Energetic diagonal hatching defines his musculature and creates deep shadows, set against a sketchy background.

Male Academy with Wings

1745–50

François Boucher

(French, 1703–1770)
France, 18th century

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