Zittend mannelijk naakt, op de rug gezien (3e prijs 1782) Possibly 1782

Hendrik Wijsman rendered "Sitting Male Nude, Seen from the Back" in 1782, a work that garnered him third prize. Consider this drawing within the context of the late 18th century. The male nude, a staple of academic art, embodies classical ideals of beauty, strength, and intellectual prowess. Yet, this representation is not neutral. It is inextricably linked to power dynamics and social hierarchies. Who gets to be represented, and how? Wijsman's nude reflects the era’s fascination with the male form as a symbol of dominance, while subtly challenging it. Look at the model's pose. His turned head and raised arm suggest introspection or perhaps yearning. There's a vulnerability in his posture. This subtle deviation from traditional heroic portrayals hints at a crack in the facade of idealized masculinity. As you contemplate this drawing, consider how it both upholds and questions the standards of its time, inviting a more nuanced reading of beauty and power.