Standing Nude Man, Academy Study, 1875

The painting "Standing Nude Man, Academy Study, 1875" by Albert Edelfelt features a full-length portrait of a standing nude male figure. The model is depicted in a classic pose that emphasizes the human form, balancing on a small rectangular block with his left foot slightly elevated, while the other supports most of his weight. He holds a thin staff in his left hand which helps stabilize his posture.The man is facing to the left of the viewer, but his head is turned to gaze even further to his left, creating a thoughtful or contemplative expression. His muscular build is carefully rendered, showing detailed anatomy which highlights Edelfelt’s skill in understanding human physiology and classical sculpture aesthetics.There is a sense of both strength and calm in the subject’s stance, as well as a certain classical nobility. The use of chiaroscuro—the treatment of light and shadow—enhances the three-dimensional form of the figure, while the neutral, earth-tone background serves to highlight the model without distraction.This type of academy study was common in art education during the 19th century, where students learned to draw from live models, focusing on anatomy, proportion, and the play of light and shadow. Such studies were foundational for artists in training, particularly in the realistic portrayal of human figures.The lower right corner of the painting contains the artist's signature and the date, verifying its authenticity and the period in which it was made.