Overkroppen af mandlig model 1671 - 1738

Hendrik Krock created this drawing, titled 'Upper Body of a Male Model', in the 17th-18th century using drawing chalk. During Krock's time, artistic training involved rigorous study of the male nude, seen as the epitome of classical beauty and a foundation for depicting idealized figures in historical, mythological, and religious scenes. The male body has historically been the default representation of humanity. Krock’s drawing reflects an era where the white male form was not only idealized but also equated with power and virtue. This elevation of the male nude is deeply intertwined with social structures that prioritized masculinity and suppressed other forms of identity. The model’s body becomes a site where societal ideals about strength, beauty, and power are both reinforced and contested. Look at how the tension in the arm and clenching of the fist convey a sense of restrained power. What does this image evoke in you?