Artwork

Half Nude Figure of a Man

Half Nude Figure of a Man, by Robert Frederick Blum, 1804
Half Nude Figure of a Man, by Robert Frederick Blum, 1804

Half Nude Figure of a Man is a print by the Romanticist artist Robert Frederick Blum. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Half Nude Figure of a Man is a print created by Robert Frederick Blum around 1804, now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a shirtless man with a weary expression and slumped posture, conveying a sense of fatigue or emotional burden. The figure's loose, idle hand positioning reinforces this interpretation.

Technique & Style

Characterized by quick, rough lines for the figure's skin and darker, blurred strokes for the background, the work prioritizes capturing raw emotion over detailed realism. The hasty line work suggests a rapid execution, typical of sketches aiming to convey life's immediacy.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1804 by Robert Frederick Blum, the print is currently held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

The emphasis on emotional expression and the rejection of polished aesthetics align with the artistic principles of Romanticism, which valued feeling and spontaneity in creative works.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Robert Frederick Blum

Artist

Robert Frederick Blum

Robert Frederick Blum was an American artist. He was one of the youngest members of the National Academy of Design and was President of the Painters in Pastel and a member of the Society of American Artists and the…

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