Academic study of a seated male nude
Date1869
Artist
William Wise
(British painter and designer, 1847–1889)
MediumOil on canvas laid on board
Dimensions14 3/4 × 10 5/8 in. (37.5 × 27 cm)
frame: 22 1/8 × 18 in. (56.2 × 45.7 cm)
frame: 22 1/8 × 18 in. (56.2 × 45.7 cm)
Credit LineF. V. du Pont Acquisition Fund, 2021
Object number2021-27
On View
On viewCollections
ClassificationsPAINTING
Label TextWilliam Wise’s Academic Study is a rare example which evidences the presence of the black model in the Academy. During this era an essential element of traditional arts education included drawing from the nude model. You will notice in the upper right-hand corner of the canvas the artist has experimented with various pigments in an attempt to capture the tonality of the skin color of the sitter. The model has yet to be identified.