Two Male Nudes, Reclining, 1927

The male nude holds a central position as a motif in the work of Anton Kolig (1886–1950). This is not only evidenced by his numerous oil paintings, many of which are in the holdings of the Leopold Museum and are allegorical in content, but also by a large number of graphic works that can be read as model studies.
This pencil drawing is dated 1927. It shows two male nudes lying on their backs, rendered with strong perspectival foreshortening. Their posture seems relaxed and natural in their horizontally reclined position. This can be read in particular from the positions of arms and legs, which do not appear to be holding any requested or deliberately chosen pose. The depiction of young bodies, already developed in their masculinity, is an essential part of Kolig’s artistic oeuvre and always linked to intimacy and eroticism in the act of viewing.

MS, 2021