Description
Bodybuilder
Graphite on paper, 297 × 210 mm. Framed
Early work from the artist’s period in Lima
Bodybuilder is an early figurative study that reveals the foundational concerns that would later shape Arturo Laime’s mature explorations of the male form. Drawn during his years living in Lima, the piece carries the tangible presence of time: faint discolourations, soft creases, and the gentle patina of age that discreetly frame the composition without diminishing its vitality. These marks, along with the framing, underscore its character as a vintage work and a significant document of the artist’s beginnings.
Rendered in graphite, the drawing studies a muscular male figure standing in a poised yet relaxed contrapposto. The artist uses varied shading—dense, velvety shadows on the torso and thighs, lighter hatching across the arms and abdomen—to articulate the anatomy with clarity and restraint. The musculature is not exaggerated but carefully observed, suggesting the young artist’s fascination with strength, balance, and proportion. Subtle modelling around the chest and abdominal area, along with the confident outline of the limbs, conveys both structure and mass without sacrificing spontaneity.
The figure’s downward gaze and compact stance introduce an introspective quality, contrasting with the imposing physique. This interplay between physical power and quiet presence is heightened by the simplicity of the medium: the raw immediacy of pencil against paper suits the intimacy of a first study.
This drawing was inspired by the men and imagery Arturo encountered as a young shop assistant in a sports store—an environment filled with magazines, posters, and everyday encounters with athletic bodies. Bodybuilder stands as an early attempt to translate that fascination into art. Its vintage character and youthful directness make it not just a study of anatomy, but a glimpse into the formative influences that would later inform his Male Figure works.
About the Artwork:
Materials: Hand-drawn with graphite pencil on 80gsm paper.
Finish: Protected with a spray varnish to enhance durability and color vibrancy.
Presentation: Framed for easy and elegant display.
Authenticity: The original artwork is hand-signed by the artist on the front and signed with its title on the back. Includes a Certificate of Authenticity sealed and signed by Arturo Laime.
Packaging: Delivered in secure, protective cardboard packaging to ensure safe arrival.
Origin: Created in Germany, delivered from the heart of the Black Forest.
Delivery Details
We aim to deliver original artworks promptly:
- Germany: 3–5 working days
- Europe: 5–8 working days
- Rest of the World: 8–20 working days
Delivery times begin once the payment has been processed.
For shipping costs and additional details, please click here.
Important Notes
- The size of the artwork shown in the pictures is for reference only.
- Colors may vary slightly due to photographic lighting and monitor settings.
- The artwork will arrive without any watermark.
Arturo Laime 2021
