Academiestudie naar gips van antiek beeld: staande man Possibly 1828

Johannes Tavenraat made this pencil drawing of a plaster cast of an antique male figure. The Dutch artist lived in a time when the study of classical forms was considered essential training for artists. Note the male figure rendered here. We are positioned behind him. We are made to study his back, muscles rippling underneath the skin. A cloth is draped over his left side. What is the purpose of such a display? The male nude has been a staple throughout art history, often idealizing the male form as one of strength and beauty. But, representations of the male nude have also been used to perpetuate ideas about masculinity, power, and even, perhaps, an erotic male gaze. This image reflects how classical ideals continue to shape our understanding and representation of the human body, even today. What do you feel when you look at this?