Two Nude Figures c. 20th century

Editor: This drawing, "Two Nude Figures" by Gaston Lachaise, is so simple, just lines really. There's a strength in the figures, but also a vulnerability. How do you interpret this work through a feminist lens? Curator: Lachaise, active in the early 20th century, often explored the female form. How might his depiction of these figures challenge or reinforce societal expectations of women's bodies and roles, particularly considering the era's restrictive norms? Editor: I guess the voluptuous forms could be seen as a challenge to the idealized thin figure that was becoming popular. Curator: Precisely. And consider the gaze – who do you think is being invited to look, and what power dynamics are at play? What do you make of the fact that there's no date associated with the piece? Editor: That's a lot to consider, but it gives the work a timeless quality. Thanks! Curator: It certainly does. It's a vital question when thinking about how we consider gender and representation now.