Two Naked Men, the Sons of Noah, Standing in Profile Facing Right, Both Pointing
Original title: Two naked men, the sons of Noah, standing in profile facing right, both pointing
kurzbeschreibung
Created around 1500–34, this engraving by Marcantonio Raimondi shows two naked men, interpreted as the sons of Noah, standing in profile to the right. Both have a cloth over their shoulders and point forward with their hands. The print exists in a single state and measures 16.3 × 12.2 cm.
Description
Side by side, the two men stand in profile; their bodies are worked out in detail with muscles and hair. A cloth lies over their shoulders, their arms are outstretched and point to the right. A tree stump and tufts of grass appear behind them. Light and shadow are handled clearly and sharply, as is typical for prints of this period.
Context
Marcantonio Raimondi, an Italian engraver of the Renaissance, became known above all for reproductive engravings after artists such as Raphael. The sons of Noah may allude to a biblical episode, such as the drunkenness of Noah, but narrative details are absent here. The sheet was made in the first half of the 16th century, when there was intense engagement with ancient art and anatomy.
Impact
Anatomical precision and the clear, realistic rendering of the male bodies define the print. The calm profile stance of the figures makes them appear monumental and almost sculptural. The plain background directs the gaze entirely to the posture and gestures of the men.
Technique
The engraving exists in a single state. Fine lines and careful hatching create sculptural shadows and shape the musculature. This technique allows for a high degree of detail that is characteristic of Raimondi's reproductive prints.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)