Zittend mannelijk naakt, van opzij gezien (3e prijs 1767) - Cornelis Buys

An academic figure study in chalk by Cornelis Buys, created in 1767 as a prize-winning exercise in anatomical precision.

This academic figure study by Cornelis Buys, dated 1767, captures a seated male nude in profile. The work was produced as a competition piece, evidenced by the inscription '3e Prijs 1767' in the upper left corner. Such drawings were standard exercises within the Dutch art academies of the eighteenth century, designed to demonstrate a student's mastery of anatomy, light, and shadow.

The figure is positioned on a block, with one arm raised behind the head and the legs bent, creating a complex arrangement of limbs. Buys employs black and white chalk to model the musculature, using the toned paper to provide a mid-tone that bridges the highlights and deep shadows. The artist focuses on the tension in the torso and the articulation of the joints, reflecting the rigorous training required of students at the time. The background is kept minimal, with subtle shading used to push the figure forward, ensuring the viewer's attention remains on the anatomical accuracy of the subject.

As a prize-winning study, the drawing displays a high level of technical precision. The handling of the chalk is controlled, allowing for smooth transitions across the skin. The inscription on the block upon which the figure sits further identifies the context of the work, linking it to the formalised education system of the period. This print offers a view into the pedagogical methods of the Dutch art world, where the study of the human form was the primary measure of an artist's capability. The work remains a clear example of the academic tradition, prioritising structural integrity and classical proportions over expressive or narrative content.