Studie af antikt ynglingehoved 1821

This is Martinus Rørbye's pencil study of a classical male head, likely created in the early 19th century. Rørbye, a central figure in the Danish Golden Age, was deeply influenced by the period's fascination with classical antiquity. The drawing reflects the era's idealization of youthful male beauty and the era's gendered expectations. The lack of eyes gives the figure a certain sense of mystery and evokes a strong feeling. By drawing a classical figure, Rørbye engages with a tradition that often excluded marginalized identities. While appreciating the technical skill and historical context, we might also question whose stories are elevated and whose are left untold in these classical revivals. Through this drawing, Rørbye invites us to reflect on how historical ideals continue to shape our perceptions of beauty and identity today.