Study of a Standing Male Nude

Pierre Puvis de Chavannes made this academic study in the late 19th century, depicting a male figure in contrapposto pose. The drawing demonstrates his foundation in classical training before he developed his distinctive style of pale, mural-like paintings. His careful modeling of anatomy reflects the rigorous study expected of academic artists.

This preparatory work reveals the artist's process behind his later symbolic compositions. Puvis trained at the École des Beaux-Arts and became known for large decorative murals in public buildings. Now at the Brooklyn Museum in New York, this study offers insight into his technical foundation.