The artwork, titled “Nude Male Figure with a Sword,” was created by Alexandre Cabanel in 1878. Executed in chalk, it reflects the Academicism art movement and falls under the genre of sketch and study. The artwork measures 49.3 by 32.3 cm and is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
In this compelling chalk drawing, the artist depicts a male figure in a dynamic, yet poised stance holding a sword. The nude figure is captured with remarkable anatomical precision, a testament to Cabanel’s mastery of form and his academic background. The figure’s musculature is meticulously rendered, evoking both strength and grace. The subject’s extended arm adds a sense of movement and tension, while the grounding of the feet conveys stability and resolve. The artwork exudes a classical aura, consistent with the conventions of Academicism, and invites the viewer to appreciate both the technical skill and the aesthetic beauty of the human form.
