he was standing
Il se tenait constamment contre un arbre.
He was constantly leaning against a tree.
Il se tenait là, l'air absent.
He stood there, looking absent-minded.
Il se tenait au bout de la file.
He stood at the end of the line.
Il se tenait devant le tableau, à le contempler.
He stood in front of the painting, staring at it.
Il se tenait derrière la chaise.
He stood behind the chair.
He stood at the door.
He stood against the wall.
Il se tenait au coin de la rue.
He was standing on the street corner.
Il se tenait là les yeux fermés.
He stood there with his eyes closed.