Tekenvoorbeeld van zittend mannelijk naakt 1629

Pieter de Jode the Elder made this study of a seated male nude in print around the turn of the 17th century. The image evokes a classical aesthetic, the muscular physique of the figure and the inclusion of drapery align with antique ideals of beauty. Prints like these were made in Antwerp to serve as models for other artists. Antwerp was the center of printmaking at the time, and the guilds controlled the production and distribution of images. It was a commercial hub and a strongly Catholic city, so the art produced there often served the interests of the church or the wealthy merchants. This drawing is more than just a study of the human body, it's a reflection of the artistic norms of its time. Understanding the historical context and the network of production helps us interpret this artwork. Examining archival documents and guild records can reveal more about the social and institutional conditions that shaped its creation.