The male nude has a rich and varied history in Western art, evolving through the ages with shifting cultural values. In ancient Greece and Rome, the naked male form was celebrated as the epitome of beauty, strength, and heroism, embodying ideals of perfection, harmony, and balance. However, with the rise of Christian morality, the depiction of the nude fell out of favour, as modesty and piety took precedence.
The Baroque and Rococo periods saw a revival of the male nude, with artists exploring new themes and styles, infusing their works with dynamic movement and emotional intensity. This era brought a fresh diversity to the portrayal of the male body, moving beyond the classical ideals.
In the post-Romantic world the male nude was sometimes used to depict the harsher realities of modern life, such as poverty, labour, or war, rather than some idealised form of perfection.
Peter D’Alessandri has painted the male figure throughout his artistic career. Most works have been an extension of his portrait practice, but in his more recent works he has used the naked body to shock, humiliate (Putin naked in Men Wrestling) or as in the case of one of the Christ-like figures in his Disasters of War, to celebrate the strength and dignity of an executed fighter, much in the classical tradition.
Most of the paintings in the gallery below have been sold. If you are interested in commissioning an original nude artwork, please contact the artist directly via the email address on the Contact page.
