Siddende mandlig model, bortvendt hoved og venstre arm løftet for panden. 1668 - 1671

This drawing of a seated male model with his head turned away and left arm raised to his forehead was created by Karel van Mander III in Copenhagen in 1670. Van Mander, living in a time where artistic training often involved studying the human form, presents a figure that embodies both classical ideals and personal introspection. The model’s averted gaze and raised arm—almost shielding his face—suggest a moment of contemplation or perhaps even vulnerability, offering a complex representation of masculinity beyond mere physical strength. During the 17th century, representations of the male nude were often fraught with societal expectations and moral considerations. Van Mander's piece subtly challenges these conventions, inviting us to consider the inner life of his subject. By depicting the model in a moment of introspection, van Mander opens a space for viewers to engage with the model's humanity. It is a piece that resonates with the emotional and personal dimensions of human experience.