Artwork

Two Statues of Male Nudes

Two Statues of Male Nudes, by Hubert Robert, chalk, 1760
Two Statues of Male Nudes, by Hubert Robert, chalk, 1760

Two Statues of Male Nudes is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Hubert Robert. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Two Statues of Male Nudes is a drawing created by French artist Hubert Robert around 1760, utilizing black chalk on laid paper. Characteristic of Robert's broader artistic interests, this work explores classical themes through a quick and expressive medium.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts two bare-chested male figures, one standing with arms at his sides and the other in a dynamic pose with one arm raised. The subjects appear to be interpretations of classical statues, reflecting Robert's penchant for incorporating ancient motifs into his work.

Technique & Style

Executed in loose, rapid lines, the drawing prioritizes capturing movement and overall form over meticulous detail. The rough black chalk strokes on light, nearly yellowed paper contribute to a sense of spontaneity and sketchy immediacy.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1760, this drawing aligns with Robert's active period, though specific provenance details are not provided here. It represents a lesser-known aspect of his oeuvre, which is more commonly associated with landscape and capricci paintings.

Context

Within the broader context of 18th-century French art, this work intersects with both the lingering influence of classical ideals and the emerging expressive tendencies of the Romantic movement, with which Robert is affiliated.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hubert Robert

Artist

Hubert Robert

Hubert Robert (French pronunciation: ; 22 May 1733 – 15 April 1808) was a French painter in the school of Romanticism, noted especially for his landscape paintings and capricci, or semi-fictitious picturesque depictions of ruins in Italy…

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