Siddende mandlig model, set fra ryggen 1625 - 1677

This drawing by Heinrich Dittmers, now at the SMK, presents a scene of profound emotional intensity. The upward gazes and pleading gestures of the figures immediately seize our attention. Consider the motif of raised hands, seen across time and cultures. In ancient Roman art, a similar gesture might signify supplication or appeal to the gods. Yet, observe how Dittmers infuses this classical posture with a particularly Christian sentiment, transforming it into a plea for divine mercy. We might recall similar gestures in Renaissance depictions of the crucifixion, a primal scream of humanity directed towards the heavens. The drawing style itself, with its use of light and shadow, adds to the emotional weight of the scene. This drawing speaks to our shared human experiences, revealing how certain archetypes continue to resonate, bridging the gap between the past and our present sensibilities.