Untitled [seated nude crossing her leg] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn made this "Untitled [seated nude crossing her leg]" drawing with charcoal on paper. Diebenkorn developed this sketch during a time when the representation of the female nude was charged with cultural and political significance. The history of art is full of women being looked at, and Diebenkorn plays with this history while attempting to find his own perspective. Notice how the woman’s face is missing; her identity is obscured, encouraging us to consider the power dynamics inherent in the act of looking. The simple lines and open spaces invite the viewer to project their own emotions and experiences onto the image. By crossing her leg and subtly turning away, she seems to assert a degree of control over her own representation. The intimate scale of the drawing draws us in, creating a sense of connection. Diebenkorn's work prompts us to reflect on the complex interplay between artist, subject, and viewer, challenging traditional notions of beauty and representation.