Studie van een op de grond ingeslapen mannelijk model 1587 - 1660

Giacomo Cavedone created this drawing, "Study of a Male Model Asleep on the Ground," in the early 17th century, a period marked by social inequality and religious reform. The drawing depicts a man lying prostrate, his body partially draped in cloth, suggesting vulnerability and perhaps destitution. The intimate portrayal prompts questions about the relationship between the artist, the model, and the society in which they lived. During Cavedone's time, artists often relied on models from marginalized communities, raising ethical considerations about representation and exploitation. This image transcends a simple study of form; it invites reflection on the socio-economic realities that shaped the lives of ordinary people. The depiction of sleep can be viewed as a commentary on rest and labor, and who has access to these basic needs.