Twee draperiestudies van een lopende man, naar rechts 1765 - 1781

Jean Grandjean created this drawing, “Two drapery studies of a walking man, to the right,” using pen and gray ink, sometime in the late 18th century. During that time, artists often referenced classical antiquity. Here, the draped figures evoke a sense of timelessness, yet we might ask ourselves, who is granted this privilege of transcending time? This choice of classical garb, while seemingly neutral, carries the weight of historical exclusion. The figures are presented in motion, their drapery swirling around them. What does it mean to see only men depicted in such a way? The intentionality highlights the importance of the male figure, while women are notably absent from this canon. The drawing echoes larger societal structures. The use of light and shadow adds a certain depth to the figures, but let's consider whose stories remain in the shadows, and whose are brought into the light.