Stående mandlig model 1881 - 1884

Vilhelm Hammershøi made this drawing of a standing male model using charcoal. Notice how the composition is dominated by a subdued palette of grays and soft blacks, creating a somber, almost ethereal atmosphere. The texture of the charcoal is evident in the hazy background. Hammershøi uses light and shadow to define the figure, but also to dissolve its form. The man's features are softly rendered, bordering on the indistinct. The background is not clearly defined, suggesting a space that is both present and absent. This aesthetic resonates with the Symbolist movement's interest in evoking mood and atmosphere, moving beyond mere representation to suggest deeper, psychological states. Consider how Hammershøi's strategic use of shading creates an effect of spatial ambiguity. The figure seems to exist in a liminal space, neither fully present nor entirely absent, emphasizing the artist’s formal ability to use simple elements to convey a complex emotional experience.