Liggende jongen, op de rug gezien 1821 - 1891

Guillaume Anne van der Brugghen created this pencil drawing, "Liggende jongen, op de rug gezien" or "Reclining Boy, Seen From the Back," sometime in the 19th century. During the 1800s, there were many social expectations and assumptions about masculinity and what young men were supposed to be like. Brugghen offers us an intimate and vulnerable portrayal of youth, far from traditional representations of heroic masculinity. The soft lines and gentle shading give a sense of tenderness and introspection. By showing the boy from behind, the artist invites us to consider the parts of identity that are often hidden or unseen. He is lying down, relaxed, vulnerable, and seemingly without worries. In this quiet sketch, Brugghen captures a moment of rest and reflection, challenging the traditional ideals of masculinity. The artwork encourages us to appreciate the quiet moments of contemplation and self-discovery in ourselves and others.