Study for Biennale works 1963

Nikos Nikolaou created this study for the Biennale works, with ochre and black paints, in the 20th century. The reclining figure has been a recurring motif throughout art history, representing vulnerability, contemplation, or even eroticism. Here, the figure's pose, with hands clasped behind the head, brings to mind ancient Greek sculptures of sleeping figures. Consider the Hellenistic sculpture of Ariadne, a testament to classical antiquity. The pose is strikingly similar, steeped in a sense of melancholic abandonment. This posture, though seemingly passive, has a deep, subconscious resonance. It speaks to the psychological state of introspection, inviting viewers to reflect on their own moments of vulnerability and solitude. The non-linear journey of this symbol is remarkable. From the sculptures of antiquity to its reemergence in modern painting, it underscores the enduring power of images to carry emotional and cultural weight across time.