Siddende kvindelig model set bagfra 1833

Christen Købke created this drawing of a seated female model from behind with graphite. It is held at the SMK. Note how the model arranges her garments. The act of adjusting clothing, seen here, is a recurring motif throughout art history. Consider the ancient Roman sculptures where draped figures arrange their togas, or the Renaissance paintings of Venus adjusting her robe. These are echoes across time. In each instance, the gesture speaks to a broader theme of modesty, beauty, and the human form. The way the fabric clings to and reveals the body beneath creates a play of concealment and exposure. This gesture carries an emotional charge, inviting the viewer to consider the relationship between the body and the self, and the boundaries between private and public. This simple act transcends mere representation, engaging with our collective memory and subconscious understanding of the body and its presentation across different ages.