Zittende man 1778 - 1838

Anthonie van den Bos created this print, *Zittende man*, sometime before 1838. Observe the man’s pose: casually seated with one leg crossed over the other. This seemingly simple posture carries a lineage that stretches far back into history. The crossed-leg pose, often associated with nonchalance or contemplation, echoes in depictions of philosophers and thinkers from antiquity to the Renaissance. Think of ancient statues of seated philosophers, or even images of Christ seated in Majesty. The gesture transcends mere posture; it embodies a state of mind, a moment of reflection or repose. It is a visual motif that resurfaces, evolving in meaning with each iteration, yet retaining a primal connection to our collective understanding of rest and reflection. The simple act of crossing one's legs, therefore, becomes a powerful symbol, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.