Naakte man, met de rechterhand op een stenen blok leunend 1836

Henricus Wilhelmus Couwenberg created this print of a nude man leaning on stone blocks in the early 19th century. During this period, the male nude was frequently depicted in academic studies, embodying ideals of beauty and strength rooted in classical antiquity. Consider the traditional canon of male beauty in the historical context of 19th century European art and society. The model's confident pose and muscular physique are a clear effort to embody virility and power. This representation promotes a specific idea of masculinity, one which equates physical form with social status. What does it mean to portray the male body as a symbol of authority and control? How do you think this affects the way we perceive masculinity today? Couwenberg’s piece invites us to reflect on how societal values can influence artistic expression.