Artwork

Two Nude Youths [recto]

Two Nude Youths [recto], by Federico Barocci, chalk, 1566
Two Nude Youths [recto], by Federico Barocci, chalk, 1566

Two Nude Youths [recto] is a chalk drawing by the Renaissance artist Federico Barocci. It dates from 1566 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This drawing, created around 1566, is a work by Federico Barocci, an Italian artist known for his refined draftsmanship. Executed in black chalk with white highlights on blue paper, it showcases Barocci's skill in capturing the human form.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts two nude youths standing together, one holding grapes and the other pointing at them. The scene is simple, yet the figures are rendered with a sense of softness and realism, inviting the viewer to contemplate their interaction.

Technique & Style

Barocci employed a range of techniques to achieve the desired effect, including the use of black chalk and white highlights on blue paper, as well as incising the contours of the standing figure to create a sharp outline. The result is a delicate and expressive representation of the human form.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Federico Barocci

Artist

Federico Barocci

Federico Barocci (also written Barozzi) (c. 1535 – 30 September 1612) was an Italian Renaissance painter and printmaker. His original name was Federico Fiori, and he was nicknamed Il Baroccio. His work was highly…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.