Twee naakte mannen, liggend op hun rug 1668 - 1671

Editor: So here we have "Two Nude Men, Lying on their Back" by Jan de Bisschop, made sometime between 1668 and 1671. It’s an etching, which is pretty clear given the fine lines. I’m struck by how... languid they look. Not posed exactly, but certainly observed, perhaps as if in some peaceful, post-exertion moment. What jumps out at you in this print? Curator: Languid is a fantastic observation. It reminds me of those moments after a truly great dance – the body just *is*, utterly unconcerned with expectation. See how Bisschop's lines don't strive for anatomical perfection? They hint, they suggest, they even err, but oh, what vitality! Don't you feel like you can practically feel the warmth radiating from the bodies? It is an exploration, of form yes, but I'd argue equally about freedom – a certain uninhibited spirit so often stiffled during that era. What do you feel about that open arm on the right-hand figure? Editor: It does add to the relaxed vibe. Almost like an invitation... Or maybe, a subtle acknowledgement of vulnerability. But you said freedom – what was going on back then that might make an image like this subtly transgressive? Curator: Think of the strictures and ideals that permeated 17th-century Dutch society. A certain expectation of pious austerity prevailed on the surface, a sense of modesty even in grand opulence. The direct observation and honest representation of the nude male form – devoid of heroic narratives – that itself flies in the face of conventional norms. It offers a quieter, more human, celebration. Almost a secret, shared. Editor: So it’s about intimacy in multiple senses. Interesting. I was initially just seeing forms, but now I appreciate the cultural whispers. Thank you! Curator: Exactly! The privilege of quiet observation is truly underrated!