Siddende nøgen mandlig model 1819 - 1880

Constantin Hansen made this study of a seated nude male model using pencil and grey wash, but its date is unknown. This drawing emerges from a particular moment in the history of European art academies. It reflects the routine practice of life drawing, a cornerstone of artistic training. The image signifies an engagement with the classical tradition, visible in the model's pose and idealized physique, reminiscent of ancient Greek sculpture. Hansen’s Denmark was experiencing a period of national romanticism, where artists looked to historical and mythological themes to forge a distinct cultural identity. The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts played a vital role, shaping artistic standards and promoting nationalistic sentiments. Was this an attempt to elevate local artistic practices? Understanding this artwork demands attention to the power dynamics within the academy, its aesthetic values, and the broader cultural context of 19th-century Denmark.