Aktstudie 1912

Fernand Khnopff sketched this nude figure in pastel, a medium lending itself to softness and ethereal quality. The symbolism of the nude form traces back to antiquity, representing vulnerability and truth. The model's closed eyes suggest introspection, a retreat from the external world that is a popular symbol in Romanticism. The motif of closed eyes appears in various guises throughout art history—from ancient sculptures of sleeping gods to Pre-Raphaelite paintings of dreaming maidens. This recurring image taps into a collective fascination with inner states of consciousness. Consider, for instance, the work of the Symbolists, who aimed to evoke psychological truths through visual metaphors. Perhaps Khnopff, through his exploration of the female form and dreamlike atmosphere, sought to express the subconscious desires and fears that reside within us all. This act of turning inwards becomes a powerful force that speaks to our deepest psychological states.