Zittend mannelijk naakt, op de rug gezien, met stok 1785

This drawing of a nude man, seen from the back and holding a staff, was made by Geerlig Grijpmoed in the late 1700s. The figure's nudity, combined with the staff and head-band, evokes classical ideals of heroism and philosophy. Consider the staff held aloft—a symbol of authority that dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was associated with pharaohs. This motif reappears in classical antiquity with images of triumphant athletes, emperors, and gods. But even earlier, images of deities show them carrying these staffs. Over time, the staff has taken on diverse meanings. The scepter of a king is a direct descendent. Think of the bishop's crosier as well. Despite its varying forms, the staff still speaks to something primal within us: the enduring human quest for power and control. It is an assertion of will over the chaos of existence, a physical extension of dominance. The staff in this image evokes a timeless connection to authority. This is a symbol that continues to resonate through the ages.