Abklatsch van de tekening op pagina 22 verso 1834 - 1903

This pencil sketch is by Johan Hendrik Weissenbruch and resides in the Rijksmuseum. Here, the act of reclining takes center stage. Consider its cultural echoes; from classical depictions of reclining gods and heroes to more modern interpretations of leisure and contemplation. The reclining figure has long been associated with status, authority, or simply a moment of respite from the world's demands. One may recall the figures in Renaissance paintings who adopt similar postures, conveying a sense of ease but also, perhaps, of introspection. This motif evolves through time, recurring in different guises and carrying varied emotional weights. The posture suggests a psychological state—perhaps one of relaxation, but also of vulnerability. The collective memory of this pose engages us on a subconscious level, reminding us of our own moments of rest, introspection, and surrender to the present. Thus, the reclining figure, seemingly simple, resonates with complex layers of meaning, echoing through time and resurfacing in new contexts.