Staand mannelijk naakt, op de rug gezien (3e prijs 1786) Possibly 1786

This sanguine drawing of a standing male nude, seen from the back, was created by Bartholomeus Ziesenis in 1786. The figure's pose, leaning on a rough-hewn stone block, evokes classical sculpture. This motif of the reclining or leaning figure traces back to antiquity. We see it echoed in countless representations of gods, heroes, and philosophers. Think of the weary Atlas, bearing the weight of the world, or melancholic depictions of figures lost in thought. The motif speaks to a tradition of portraying profound contemplation and the burden of existence. Consider the gesture of turning the head away. It is reminiscent of the *pudica* pose, where the figure averts their gaze, suggesting modesty or shame. This gesture hints at the figure's inner turmoil or the artist's attempt to convey a sense of vulnerability. Through the ages, such visual languages persist and transform, tapping into our collective memory and resurfacing in new forms, laden with ever-shifting meanings.