Lopende man 1803 - 1846

This is a small etching by Paulus Charles Gerard Poelman titled "Lopende man". The composition is dominated by a figure caught mid-stride, rendered with fine, closely spaced lines that define form and texture. The figure's posture creates a dynamic diagonal line from the raised hand to the forward foot, suggesting movement and instability. The artist's use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and volume. The texture appears rough, giving the figure a coarse and unrefined quality. The etching's limited tonal range focuses attention on the graphic qualities of line and form, creating a sense of immediacy. The overall effect destabilizes any idealization of the human form, presenting a raw, almost caricatured portrayal. Poelman explores how art can disrupt established meanings, prompting ongoing interpretation and challenging our preconceptions of representation.