Zittende man, deels van achteren gezien 1876 - 1924

This pencil drawing, made by Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof, captures a man seated, seen partly from behind. Note the figure’s posture, slightly hunched, with the back turned—a motif that carries a rich history. Consider the Rückenfigur, the figure seen from the back, made famous by Caspar David Friedrich. This motif invites the viewer to step into the subject’s shoes, to share his perspective and ponder his thoughts. The turned back becomes a powerful symbol of introspection and contemplation. It is as if the artist allows us access to the inner workings of the subject. The positioning evokes a sense of voyeurism, we are mere observers, granted only a partial view. In the play of light and shadow across the figure’s form, one can see a timeless exploration of human emotion and the silent stories our bodies tell. The man is seated, and we are forced to consider what he is contemplating.