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Carel de Neree tot Babberich te koop, symbolistisch mannelijk naakt, ofwel Nudites, in een landschap

Carel de Nerée tot Babberich - Nudités (ca. 1904)

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Carel de Nerée tot Babberich (1880–1909)

Nudités

1904–05

Pen, black ink, grey wash and gold paint on green-prepared paper

22 × 16.8 cm


Literature:

Illustrated in Sander Bink, Verfijnde Lijnen: Carel de Nerée tot Babberich, 1880–1909, WBOOKS, 2025, cat. no. 153.


Additional information:

Nudités is undoubtedly one of Carel de Nerée tot Babberich’s most daring and remarkable works. It was created during a brief yet exceptionally productive period. During these years, the artist’s work became increasingly experimental. Gold, ornament and colour took on a more prominent role.


The central figure refers to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Vitruvian Man. De Nerée transforms this Renaissance ideal into something entirely personal and modern. Leonardo’s geometric harmony gives way to a sensual, subtly androgynous figure with a distinctly contemporary presence.


The golden areas of the background reflect artistic developments taking place in Vienna at the same time, particularly in the work of Gustav Klimt. The refined linework recalls Aubrey Beardsley. Yet the work is not an imitation of foreign examples. Its combination of Symbolism, eroticism and a highly personal visual language makes it one of the most radical expressions of the Dutch fin de siècle.


While most Dutch artists of his generation worked within the boundaries of accepted decorum, De Nerée placed sexuality firmly at the centre of his compositions. As far as is known, few comparable examples existed in the Netherlands around 1900. The work presents the male body with an openness that is both striking and aesthetically refined. It therefore ranks among the most radical expressions of De Nerée’s artistic vision.


Carel de Nerée tot Babberich (1880–1909) was one of the most intriguing Dutch Symbolists of his generation. Well versed in literature and active within The Hague’s society, he developed a visual language strongly influenced by Aubrey Beardsley. His work is characterised by refined draughtsmanship, a Gothic atmosphere and subtle decadence.

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