Untitled [seated female nude with hands in her lap] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn created this ink drawing of a seated female nude, capturing a timeless pose with bold, expressive strokes. The figure's hands rest in her lap, a gesture laden with centuries of art historical precedent, often signifying contemplation, resignation, or quiet strength. This motif echoes through Renaissance depictions of Venus, often shown with modestly crossed hands. Consider how the arrangement of limbs directs our gaze inward, inviting introspection. We might look back further still, noting the influence of classical sculpture, where similar poses conveyed both vulnerability and contained power. The seated posture, with hands clasped, has been a potent symbol across eras, evolving in meaning yet retaining an underlying sense of reflection and subdued emotion. The emotional resonance stems from our collective memory and the subtle, often unconscious, ways we interpret body language. This image, with its stark simplicity, engages us on a profoundly human level.