Stående mandlig model 1810 - 1873

This is a drawing of a standing male model created by Wilhelm Marstrand. The figure's pose, with arms crossed, is a powerful motif that echoes through art history. Consider, for instance, the ancient sculptures of emperors, where this gesture signified authority and control, or its appearance in early Christian art, where crossed arms symbolized humility and piety. Here, the model’s posture suggests a psychological withdrawal, a self-containment. Think of how often we see this gesture in portraits across time, each instance subtly shifting its meaning. It is an interesting symbol; the crossing of the arms can appear as a sign of closure or defensiveness. Yet, in the context of academic study, as may be the case here, it seems to express introspection, a thoughtful reserve that engages us on a deeper, almost subconscious level. This drawing reveals how gestures resonate through history, evolving yet retaining echoes of their past.