“Study for an ignudo” is a renowned piece created by Michelangelo around circa 1508 in Rome, Italy. This artwork, executed using chalk on paper, belongs to the High Renaissance art movement. The sketch is part of the broader series of Sistine Chapel Paintings and measures 27.9 by 21.4 centimeters. Presently, the piece is housed in the Teylers Museum in Haarlem, Netherlands.
The artwork features a detailed study of the human form, showcasing Michelangelo’s mastery of capturing the musculature and dynamic pose of the male figure from behind. The figure is in a reclining position, with a focus on the intricate play of light and shadow across the back and limbs, highlighting the tension and vitality inherent in the human body. The careful rendering of the ribcage and muscles, combined with the subtle use of chalk, exemplifies the precision and depth of Michelangelo’s draftsmanship, serving as a preparatory study for his monumental works in the Sistine Chapel.
