Male nude. Study for the etching 'Man Bathing' 1781 - 1881

Here we see a preparatory drawing by Carl Bloch, created in the 19th century, a study for his etching 'Man Bathing'. The figure is seated, his posture closed in on itself, hugging his chest. The gesture of crossed arms, clutching at one's self, speaks of vulnerability and a need for protection. This gesture echoes across time, appearing in ancient sculptures depicting mourning figures, their arms crossed in sorrow. We see it again in Renaissance paintings of the Deposition, where Mary cradles the body of Christ. The act of self-embracing is deeply rooted in our collective unconscious, a primal response to emotional distress, yet the context alters its significance. Here, the male nude, exposed and self-contained, prompts reflection on our own fleeting sense of security. The posture's cyclical progression reminds us of the enduring human need for solace, echoing and evolving through art history.