Male figure studies

As in the drawings of women in the previous lot these life studies of a male model may have been made in life-drawing classes in Paris, circa 1906-7. The model is a heavy-set, powerful middle-aged man. He takes up a variety of poses, sometimes holding a stick. As if to match his strong physique, Swanzy uses a broader and heavier line than in the female figure studies. However, the pencil is softer, and the line looser, allowing for mistakes in what may have been ten-minute, or shorter, poses, so that Swanzy gains a sense of quickness and movement. In the study of the back view of the man, Swanzy makes use of bold rapid lines and quick hatched shading to expressive effect, to capture the contours of the man's back and legs. The use of lines and gentle shading are reminiscent of some of the drawings of Cézanne.
J.C.