Interieur van het atelier van Laurens Lodewijk Kleijn in Rome c. 1860 - 1862

This photograph by Sommer & Behles depicts the interior of Laurens Lodewijk Kleijn's studio in Rome. Here, we see the artist reclining in a classical pose, reminiscent of ancient Roman depictions of reclining figures during a symposium. This motif is echoed in funerary art where the deceased is depicted as resting or reclining. The pose speaks of leisure, contemplation, and perhaps even the acceptance of fate. The gesture, like the classical sculptures scattered throughout the studio, revives ancient traditions of the past. This deliberate revival reflects the cyclical nature of cultural memory, where symbols and gestures are reinterpreted across different epochs. Perhaps this pose also evokes the melancholic acceptance that is inherent in classical art, a powerful force that engages the viewer on a subconscious level, stirring deep emotional responses.