Staande naakte man 1789

This is a red chalk drawing of a standing nude man by G. van Roien, made in 1789. During the 18th century, the male nude was a cornerstone of academic art, embodying ideals of beauty, strength, and classical virtue. But what happens when we look beyond these conventional representations? Roien’s drawing, with its subtle imperfections and vulnerable pose, invites us to reconsider these ideals. The model's gaze is averted. His body language suggests a moment of introspection rather than heroic display. Note his right arm and hand. What is he holding? What could it signify? Through his art, Roien seems to be asking: what does it mean to depict the body with honesty and sensitivity during a time when society was so focused on projecting power and perfection?