Liggende riviergod 1636 - 1647

This black chalk drawing by Cornelis Bloemaert presents a reclining river god. The figure, rendered in detailed linework, emanates both power and serenity, inviting an emotional response through its carefully balanced composition. Bloemaert employs classical motifs to explore themes of nature, divinity, and the human form. The river god's pose, seemingly relaxed yet subtly dynamic, disrupts traditional artistic expectations. The tension between the god’s muscular physique and his languid posture is palpable, creating a semiotic interplay. The drawing also challenges fixed meanings. The god's body is both idealized and naturalistic. The rough texture of the rock contrasts with the smoothness of his skin. In this way, Bloemaert destabilizes conventional artistic categories. The artwork becomes a site of ongoing interpretation, urging us to reconsider our understanding of the body and its cultural significance.