Muscleman II 

This drawing by Jozef Hanula depicts a nude male figure holding a staff, a classical motif rendered here in a late 19th-century academic style. The staff, an ancient symbol, speaks of authority, guidance, and pilgrimage. Think back to Hermes, the messenger of the gods, whose caduceus signifies not just his role but also balance and negotiation. The scepter of kings, the bishop's crosier—all echo this primal image of control and direction. The figure's nudity recalls the idealized forms of antiquity, embodying a timeless pursuit of perfection. This idealized form has reappeared throughout history, in different cultural and historical contexts, representing different values and ideals. The image engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, tapping into our collective memory of strength, beauty, and authority. This symbol of the staff, and the male nude, are non-linear, cyclical, and have resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.