Male nude 1935

Hermann Lismann made this drawing of a male nude, with pencil on paper, sometime in the early 20th century. Lismann, a German artist whose life spanned tumultuous periods of German history, including both World Wars, leaves us with this intimate portrayal of the male form. During this period, the nude form was often used to convey ideals of beauty and perfection, yet here, the figure is presented with a vulnerability that complicates such notions. There's a certain androgyny to the figure, the soft lines of the body challenge conventional masculinity. The thoughtful gaze is turned downwards in gentle introspection. This work invites us to consider the emotional and psychological dimensions of the male nude, moving beyond mere physical representation to explore themes of identity, vulnerability, and self-awareness. It's a testament to Lismann's ability to capture the subtle nuances of human experience.