Bacchus c. 1883 - 1886

Hans von Marées created this drawing, Bacchus, with graphite on paper. The figure emerges subtly from the muted background. It's a study in line and form, rather than colour or dramatic contrast. The sinuous, almost hesitant lines define the contours of the god Bacchus, evoking a sense of classical grace tempered by modern uncertainty. The drawing has a structural clarity, an almost academic rendering of the male nude. Look at how Marées uses subtle gradations of tone to model the figure, creating volume and depth. Yet, there’s a fragility to the lines that destabilizes the traditional image of the robust, wine-soaked deity. The sketchy quality introduces a modern sensibility, reflecting broader philosophical concerns about the representation of idealized forms. Ultimately, it's the tension between the classical subject and the modern execution that makes this drawing so compelling. It invites us to reconsider fixed meanings and embrace a more nuanced understanding of beauty and representation.