Reclining Nude 1918

František Drtikol made this drawing titled "Reclining Nude" in 1918. It depicts a nude female figure in a softly lit, enclosed space that gives us an intimate glimpse. Made in the newly formed Czechoslovakia after World War I, this drawing exists within a culture re-evaluating traditional social norms. Drtikol was known for his modernist approach to photography and drawing. This piece reflects his interest in capturing the human form in unconventional ways. The influence of art nouveau and early expressionism is apparent in the work. The drawing challenges conventional academic nudes that objectified women. Here, the use of chiaroscuro emphasizes the emotional vulnerability of the subject, inviting empathy rather than mere observation. Drtikol’s work often explored themes of sensuality and spirituality, reflecting the changing attitudes toward sexuality during this period. To better understand Drtikol, exploring the history of early photography and art magazines in Czechoslovakia would be invaluable. The drawing serves as a mirror to the social and artistic experiments of its time.