Untitled [back view of a female nude holding a basket] [recto] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn created this ink drawing of a female nude, seen from behind, sometime in the 20th century. The figure's gesture of holding a basket evokes images of classical antiquity—echoing depictions of women carrying offerings in ancient Greek vase paintings. Consider the basket itself. From its practical use as a vessel for gathering and carrying, the basket transcends mere utility. Across cultures, it symbolizes provision, nurturing, and even secrets. Think of Pandora's box or the cornucopia—each a vessel brimming with potential, both benevolent and ominous. Observe how Diebenkorn's expressive brushstrokes capture the emotional weight of this archetypal form. Through his bold use of ink, the gesture resonates as a primal memory, engaging us on a deeply subconscious level. Indeed, the cyclical recurrence of the basket motif—re-emerging throughout art history—reveals its enduring potency as a vessel of our collective imaginings.