To stående modeller 1914 - 1915

Karl Isakson made this charcoal drawing, called "To stående modeller", meaning "Two Standing Models", sometime before his death in 1922. In Western art, the nude has historically been a way for male artists to explore and exert control over the female form. By the late 19th and early 20th century, however, it became more common for artists to challenge the conventions of the male gaze. Isakson, a Dane, was working in a period when modern art was being shaped by new ideas about sexuality and the body. The models here are rendered in a casual and informal style. They're presented without idealization and their poses suggest a sense of naturalism. Isakson may have intended to portray the figures with dignity and respect, focusing on their humanity rather than their sexuality. To better understand the historical context, you might consult historical documents such as letters, diaries, or exhibition reviews.