Studies naar klassieke beeldhouwwerken 1848 - 1927

This is August Allebé's Studies after classical sculptures, a work made with pen in the late 19th or early 20th century. During this period, artists often looked to classical antiquity for inspiration, seeking to revive what they saw as timeless ideals of beauty and form. Allebé, as the director of the Rijksakademie, held a position of considerable influence in the Dutch art world. His vision played a role in shaping the artistic values of a new generation. These sketches, part of a larger academic tradition, reflect the era’s complex relationship with the past. The classical sculptures would have been seen as embodiments of an idealized European history. This is a history that often marginalized other cultural narratives. Through his studies, Allebé engages with and perpetuates a selective view of history. They prompt us to consider who is included and excluded from the classical ideal, and to reflect on the emotional dimensions of engaging with a past that is both revered and fraught with social and cultural implications.