Seated Male Nude 1908

Lovis Corinth created this etching of a seated male nude in 1908. Corinth lived through a period of rapid social change. The rise of industrialization, urbanization, and new scientific discoveries shook established social structures and belief systems. Corinth’s work often grapples with themes of mortality, sensuality, and psychological turmoil. This piece represents a departure from traditional idealized nudes. The model is presented with a raw, unflinching gaze. His vulnerability is palpable. The sitter’s downcast eyes and slumped posture convey a sense of introspection or weariness. The heavy, etched lines emphasize the physicality of the body, highlighting its weight and form. By presenting the male nude in a state of contemplation, Corinth challenges traditional notions of masculinity. The figure’s humanity is foregrounded, prompting reflection on the emotional and psychological dimensions of the human experience.