Seated Man Seen from the Back
17th century
Medium
Pen and brown, over traces of graphite, on cream laid paper, laid down on cream laid paper
Dimensions
8.4 × 6.7 cm (3 5/16 × 2 11/16 in.)
Classification
pen and ink drawings
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
84704
Art Historical Context
This intimate drawing, *Seated Man Seen from Back*, captures a solitary figure in a simple, contemplative pose, rendered by an unknown artist in the th century. Measuring just 8.4 × 6.7 cm, its diminutive scale suggests it was likely a quick sketch from life or imagination, executed on cream laid paper—a favored support for draftsmen of the era due to its smooth texture and availability. The work belongs to the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints Drawings collection, where such modest gems offer glimpses into the daily practice of Baroque-age artists. The technique reveals masterful economy: fa...