Alder 1917

Anders Zorn created this etching, "Alder," sometime between 1880 and 1920. Zorn, a prominent Swedish artist, lived and worked during a time when ideas about identity, gender, and sexuality were rapidly evolving, influenced by social changes and emerging discourses on individual freedom. In "Alder," Zorn presents two nude women in a natural setting, a composition that reflects both classical artistic traditions and the changing social norms of his time. The representation of women in art was often intertwined with notions of beauty, morality, and societal roles, with the female nude being a frequent subject in European art history. Zorn's approach to depicting women was shaped by his personal experiences and artistic vision. As he said, “I have always sought to reproduce what I have seen, I do not interpret nature, I love it.” The way he captures the light and the natural poses of the figures suggests a move away from idealized depictions towards a more realistic portrayal. "Alder" invites viewers to contemplate the intersection of art, identity, and representation, offering a window into the complexities of early 20th-century social and cultural values.