Standing Nude Youth, with right arm raised
Original title: Standing Nude Youth, with right arm raised
kurzbeschreibung
Edgar Degas drew 'Standing Nude Youth with Raised Right Arm' in 1859–60 using graphite on wove paper. The sheet presents a naked young man who lifts his right arm and crosses his left in front of his body.
Description
Facing forward, the youth stands with his right arm extended upward while the left rests across his chest. His body is captured in contrapposto, weight settled on one leg. Precise lines, rich in detail, clearly model the muscles. The background remains empty, and the figure occupies almost the entire sheet. In the lower right appears the signature 'Degas'.
Context
During his stay in Italy (1856–1859), Degas made this study, immersing himself in Renaissance and antique art. It belongs to a group of nude drawings after living models. The influence of Ingres and the classical tradition on his early work is evident here.
Impact
The layout feels calm and balanced, the rendering of the body exact. The restrained linework gives the sheet a clear, almost sculptural quality.
Technique
Graphite on wove paper was used; Degas partly rubbed the drawing to achieve soft transitions. The execution reveals his sure hand and anatomical study.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)