Standing male nude 1855

Otto Scholderer made this standing male nude drawing with graphite on paper, and it now resides in the Städel Museum. Scholderer lived in a time of strict social norms, where the male nude was more accepted in academic settings than depictions of female nudity. Nudity in art often carries layers of meaning related to vulnerability, idealization, or even objectification. Here, the man’s pose, with his arms raised, offers a sense of openness. His slightly averted gaze suggests a self-awareness, perhaps even a confrontation with the viewer. While the male gaze has been a dominant force in art history, this drawing invites us to think about the experience and presence of the male body itself, and how cultural expectations about masculinity influence its representation. It reflects the ongoing dialogue about who gets to look, who is looked at, and how these dynamics shape our understanding of identity.