Naakte jongen op een terras before 1894

This is a photograph by Wilhelm von Gloeden, a print created through a chemical process on paper. Photography, though often regarded as capturing reality, involves many choices by the photographer, from posing the subjects to selecting the right light and background. Von Gloeden was known for his staged photographs of young men, often in classical or pastoral settings, evoking a sense of timeless beauty and homoerotic desire. The model’s placement and gesture is likely deliberate, requiring both time and labor to set up. The photograph’s aesthetic, reminiscent of classical sculpture and painting, reflects the artist’s engagement with art historical traditions, alongside the newer medium of photography. The work’s focus on idealized male forms and romanticized settings reflects deeper issues of desire, identity, and the social construction of beauty. Von Gloeden was creating a very particular image for consumption.