Schets van een man, schuin van achteren gezien 1868 - 1892

Anthon Gerhard Alexander van Rappard rendered this sketch of a man, seen from the back, using graphite. The subject's averted gaze speaks volumes. Consider the cultural implications of the averted gaze in portraiture through the ages. Think of classical sculptures, where direct eye contact conveyed power and status, or religious icons, like the Virgin Mary, whose gaze could express compassion or sorrow. Rappard's drawing lacks that immediate connection, hinting at a modern detachment. This symbolic choice resonates with psychological depth. It echoes the concept of the "unconscious gaze" as a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Here, the man’s averted face is not merely a physical orientation but a symbolic barrier, reflecting a deeper psychological state. This pose has resurfaced time and again, evolving to mirror society’s changing perceptions of identity.