An Académie
- Artist: French
- Date: probably 1800-50
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is the "An Académie" by French artist. Painted in the early decades of the nineteenth century, this life study forms part of the classical training of male artists from that time period, particularly in France. The model holds an 'action' pose, showcasing the musculature beneath the skin. You can see particular attention has been given to the back and the tautened left leg. Notice how the model raises his left arm in a defensive gesture - perhaps carrying a shield or deflecting a blow. It's worth noting that thisacadémieis well painted, but unfinished; just take a look at the raised clenched fist, which is only an outline.
See it in person
An Académie hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
