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Nude Male Figure Seated on the Ground

ca. 1535–40
Not on view
The figure, posed on a shelf like projection ornamented with a scalloped valance, may be studied for one of the many monochrome façade decorations that Aspertini is said to have executed, above all in Bologna (Vasari 1568, vol. 5, pp. 179-180). The reeds or long grasses indicated in the background are possibly intended to identify the figure as a river god. The stocky, thick-necked physical type is typical of Aspertini, but here the figure is invested with a certain monumental nobility. In figural type and technique of execution, the Metropolitan Museum drawing relates to a sheet in the Gabinetto Disegni e Stampe degli Uffizi (inv. 1269 F), in which the reclining male nude figure faces right. The flourish of drapery over the figures' shoulders and the indication of foliage in the background of the compositions suggest that both drawings may be studies for the same or similar façade decorations. Stylistically, the Museum's drawing and that in the Uffizi can be dated in the late 1530s.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Nude Male Figure Seated on the Ground
  • Artist: Amico Aspertini (Italian, Bologna ca. 1474–1552 Bologna)
  • Date: ca. 1535–40
  • Medium: Black chalk, brush and brown wash, highlighted with white gouache, on brown-washed paper
  • Dimensions: Overall: 9 3/4 x 14 5/16in. (24.8 x 36.4cm)
    Mount: 16 x 22 in. (40.6 x 55.9 cm)
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: Walter C. Baker Gift, 1967
  • Object Number: 68.78
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Five Dancing Putti, Amico Aspertini Italian, Engraving
Five Dancing Putti
Amico Aspertini
n.d.
Bacchanalian Scene, Amico Aspertini Italian, Black chalk, highlighted with white, on brown-washed paper
Bacchanalian Scene
Amico Aspertini
1520–35
Studies after the Antique: The Fall of Phaëthon, Horses, Reclining Women with Children (recto); Studies after the Antique: An Altar or Urn, Lion Attacking a Horse (verso), Amico Aspertini Italian, Black chalk, pen and brown ink (recto); pen and brown ink over traces of black chalk (verso)
Studies after the Antique: The Fall of Phaëthon, Horses, Reclining Women with Children (recto); Studies after the Antique: An Altar or Urn, Lion Attacking a Horse (verso)
Amico Aspertini
1474–1552
Jupiter and Juno: Study for the "Furti di Giove" Tapestries, Perino del Vaga (Pietro Buonaccorsi) Italian, Pen and dark brown ink, brush and brown and gray wash, highlighted with white gouache
Jupiter and Juno: Study for the "Furti di Giove" Tapestries
Perino del Vaga (Pietro Buonaccorsi)
ca. 1532–35
Lucretia, Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi) Italian, Pen and brown ink over black chalk, partially incised with a stylus (recto); rubbed with black chalk for transfer (verso)
Lucretia
Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi)
1508–10

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