Staand mannelijk naakt, met zwaard 1878

Pieter de Josselin de Jong created this monochromatic drawing of a nude man with a sword using graphite on paper. The drawing exhibits a compelling interplay of light and shadow, accentuating the sinuous contours of the body. The composition is structured around a central vertical axis established by the figure and the sword. The smooth gradations of tone suggest a classical influence, reminiscent of academic figure studies. Yet the gaze directed downwards and the seemingly melancholic pose introduces a psychological element, a departure from mere anatomical rendering. The sword—an obvious signifier of power and virility—leans passively, it's point resting on a simple cube. This juxtaposition creates a tension between the conventional symbolism of weaponry and the vulnerable, introspective stance of the figure. Ultimately, this study invites us to reflect on the semiotics of masculinity and its representation within the artistic tradition. The drawing destabilizes established meanings, engaging with new ways of thinking about representation.