Study of a King 1822 - 1885

Rodolphe Bresdin made this ink drawing titled "Study of a King." Bresdin, working in the 19th century, an era marked by significant social upheaval and political change in France, lived a life marked by poverty and marginalization. This drawing offers a glimpse into the artist's complex relationship with power and authority. The figure, rendered with delicate lines, sits hunched over, seemingly burdened by the weight of his crown and position. Bresdin was known for his intricate and imaginative prints, often populated by fantastical creatures and scenes of struggle. He was admired by writers and artists such as Baudelaire, and Redon, who saw in his work a reflection of the alienation and anxieties of modern life. Consider how Bresdin uses the figure of the king – traditionally a symbol of strength and dominance – to express vulnerability and weariness. Perhaps, through this "Study of a King," Bresdin invites us to question the nature of power itself, and to recognize the human fragility that lies beneath the surface of authority.