Seating Model 1913

Adalbert Erdeli sketched "Seating Model" in pencil on paper. Born in what is now western Ukraine, Erdeli navigated a world shaped by political upheaval and shifting national identities. This drawing offers a glimpse into the artist's world, and perhaps hints at the lives of women in early 20th-century Europe. Seated and self-possessed, the model’s posture and attire are of her time, yet the artist's hand lends the sitter an arresting timelessness. One wonders about the model's personal narrative, her social standing, and her relationship with Erdeli. The sketch invites us to consider the dynamics of artist and muse, of power and representation. It speaks to the intimate exchange between Erdeli and his sitter, a dance of observation and interpretation. The emotional resonance of this simple drawing lingers, prompting reflection on the silent stories held within its lines.