Studies van een zittende naakte man en twee vrouwen, ten halven lijve 1620 - 1625

Cornelis Cornelisz van Haarlem made these studies of a seated nude man and two women using pen in brown and brush in brown and gray. The Northern Renaissance in the Netherlands was deeply influenced by Italian Renaissance art, particularly its idealized forms and mythological subjects. This drawing exemplifies the period’s interest in classical themes and the male nude, reflecting the influence of Italian masters like Michelangelo. Artists in Haarlem were part of a broader humanist movement that sought to integrate classical wisdom with Christian values, influencing artistic and intellectual life. The Haarlem Academy, though informal, played a role in shaping artistic standards and promoting the study of anatomy and classical art. Examining archival records, artists' biographies, and contemporary writings can illuminate the cultural context and artistic practices of Cornelisz's time. These historical resources can help us understand how art both reflected and shaped the values of its society.