Male semi-nude 

Karl Stauffer-Bern created this semi-nude drawing with pencil on paper; its date is unknown. The late 19th century was a time when academic traditions still held significant sway, especially in the training of artists. What do you make of the male figure? Is he the picture of the idealized, heroic male nude so popular in art history? The man in the drawing carries a weight in his shoulders that is enhanced by the way he looks downwards, away from our gaze. The stance may denote introspection rather than display. Consider the artist, who came from a modest background in Switzerland. He faced considerable personal struggles, including a tumultuous relationship with Anna Tüschner, the wife of his cousin. We can view this drawing as an expression of the artist's inner world; a reflection on masculinity, vulnerability, and the burdens of personal experience. It is a glimpse into a moment of contemplation, inviting us to consider the multifaceted nature of identity.