Tiny Todger

What the painting shows

This small vertical painting is a realistic anatomical close-up study of male genitals: a flaccid penis and scrotum, seen from the front between the thighs. The penis is painted in pale pink with lilac and bluish shadows along the veins, while the scrotum is darker, in warm rusty and brown tones, with visible skin texture.

Thin dark lines across the skin of the thighs, lower belly and scrotum represent body hair. The body fills almost the entire frame, and the skin tones move from light beige to peachy pink. At the bottom, between the thighs, a triangle of background shows in golden ochre or gold.

The Polish title "Mały siur" is a colloquial, jokey term (roughly "tiny todger"), typical of the gallery's self-deprecating humour.

Technique and style

Oil on a small canvas, painted in the manner of an academic nude study, with realistic skin tones and light. The canvas weave shows through the thin layers of paint, and the hair is drawn with a fine brush. The male nude and anatomical studies have a long tradition in art, from ancient sculpture to Leonardo da Vinci's drawings, though they are rarely shown in such a literal close-up.

At a glance

• Medium: oil paint
• Surface: canvas
• Orientation: portrait (vertical)
• Dominant colours: beige, peachy pink, lilac, rusty brown, golden ochre
• Subjects: male nude, anatomical study, body, erotic art, humour

Fun fact

When the Victoria and Albert Museum in London received a plaster cast of Michelangelo's David from the Grand Duke of Tuscany in 1857, a detachable plaster fig leaf was made for it. According to museum tradition, the leaf was hung on the statue before visits by Queen Victoria and other important ladies, so as not to shock them with nudity. The fig leaf still survives and is displayed in the museum as an object in its own right.

Want a similar painting?

The Fart studio paints commissioned artwork: portraits of people and pets, landscapes and absurd scenes like this one. You can order a similar piece featuring male nude, anatomical study, body, starring your own pet, a loved one or your favourite place. Just describe your idea in the contact form and attach a photo.