Liggende man en staande vrouw 1891 - 1919

Wilhelm Lehmbruck created this etching, "Liggende man en staande vrouw," depicting a reclining man and a standing woman. Lehmbruck’s work emerged in the early 20th century, a period of immense social and political upheaval in Europe. This was a time when traditional gender roles were being questioned, amidst the rise of feminist movements and changing societal expectations. The figures are rendered with a delicate touch, yet there's a palpable sense of emotional distance between them. The woman stands tall, almost as if guarding the vulnerable, reclining man. The conventional power dynamic, where men are depicted as strong and women as passive, is subverted. Lehmbruck served as a medical orderly during World War I, an experience that deeply affected him and influenced his art. His experiences undoubtedly shaped his perception of masculinity and vulnerability, which he articulated by exploring the psychological dimensions of his subjects. This etching invites us to reflect on how societal expectations of gender and power are manifested and challenged in art. It also subtly compels us to contemplate the emotional landscape of human relationships.