Staand mannelijk naakt, met een stok 1787

Alexander Liernur rendered this standing male nude with a stick in sanguine chalk. Note the relaxed contrapposto stance and the subject's hand resting over his heart. This gesture—the hand on the chest—resonates across centuries. We see it echoed in classical sculptures of emperors and orators, signaling sincerity and commanding respect. Yet, go further back and you’ll see the same gesture in ancient Egyptian depictions of pharaohs, symbolizing authority. Consider how this potent symbol has been continuously reshaped. Here, the figure’s touch over his heart can suggest vulnerability, the very essence of humanity. It serves as a bridge connecting us to shared emotions. As you gaze upon this figure, consider how such a small, yet profound gesture, echoes through the corridors of time, evoking feelings that transcend cultural boundaries.