Figure study of a man standing with a staff
1759. White chalk, Red chalk on dark toned paper.Not on display
As both the date and the technique indicate, this work is a study made from his younger period, undoubtedly executed in Rome and sent from there to leave a record of his progress. It should be noted that in May 1758 the Academy: ‘In order not to squander those auspicious principles that are recognised to Maella, agrees’ to the painter’s claim of an aid of 4 reales daily so that he could stay in Rome, where he had gone by his own means. From that moment on, he was placed on the same level as the rest of the Academy’s pensioners.
This study depicts a nude male figure standing, walking in profile to the right with a staff in his right hand and his head turned towards the viewer.
The Academia de San Fernando keeps some drawings similar in style, dated November 1758 and February 175[9] (B. A 77/44 y 77/45).
Pérez Sánchez, Alfonso E., Catálogo de Dibujos. Vol. III. Dibujos Españoles, Siglo XVIII. C-Z, Madrid, Museo Nacional del Prado, 1977, p.76
