Portraits of Men, Sketch 1903 - 1906

This sketch, titled "Portraits of Men," was created by Magnus Enckell, a Finnish symbolist artist who lived from 1870 to 1925. Enckell came of age at a time when artistic and social conventions were being questioned, particularly around gender and sexuality. During this period of shifting norms, Enckell, who was gay, navigated a society that was often unwelcoming to those who defied traditional gender roles and sexual identities. This sketch, with its collection of male figures, hints at the artist's exploration of male identity and representation. It invites us to consider how men saw themselves and each other during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and to reflect on the complexities of masculinity. As we look at this study, we are reminded that art offers a unique lens through which to examine our own biases and preconceived notions.