Staand mannelijk naakt, op de rug gezien (2e prijs 1766) - Marten Houtman

An academic figure study in chalk by Marten Houtman, depicting a standing male nude from the back, awarded second prize in 1766.

This academic figure study by Marten Houtman, dated 1766, captures a standing male nude viewed from behind. Executed in black and white chalk on grey paper, the work demonstrates the rigorous training methods prevalent in eighteenth-century Dutch art academies. The artist employs a careful application of chalk to define the musculature of the back, shoulders, and legs, using the mid-tone of the paper to bridge the transition between light and shadow.

The inscription in the upper right corner, '2e prijs 1766', indicates that this drawing was awarded second prize in an academy competition. Such exercises were standard practice for students, who were expected to demonstrate proficiency in anatomy, proportion, and the handling of light before progressing to more complex compositions. The figure is posed with a slight turn of the head, a common device used to introduce a sense of movement and psychological engagement into what might otherwise be a static anatomical exercise.

Houtman's technique reflects the disciplined approach of the period, where the focus remained on clarity of form and the accurate representation of the human body. The use of white chalk highlights the contours of the spine and the deltoids, providing a three-dimensional quality to the figure. The background is kept minimal, with light hatching used to suggest a shallow space, ensuring that the viewer's attention remains fixed on the anatomical precision of the subject. This print offers a view into the pedagogical traditions of the era, preserving the technical skill required of artists during their formative years.