NSEW 

Cassidy Rae Marietta's "NSEW," presumably from the 20th century, is a striking composition of geometric forms and symbolic elements rendered in a muted yet vibrant palette. The central diamond, oriented to the cardinal directions, frames a nude figure, seemingly grounded by flowing lines that suggest both water and hair. This central placement forces us to consider the female form as a foundational point, perhaps a nexus of natural forces. Encircling this diamond is a decorative border with quarter-circle motifs, each echoing the cyclical nature of the cosmos and the earth. Marietta’s use of symmetry and carefully calibrated geometry invites a semiotic reading. The directional letters – N, S, E, W – aren't just markers; they’re integrated into a visual system that maps the human body onto a larger cosmic order. The nude, juxtaposed with these symbols, challenges traditional representations of the female body as merely an object. The piece destabilizes fixed notions, presenting instead a fluid, interconnected world. Note, finally, how the lack of a definitive ground allows the figure to float, suggesting not just physical placement but also a connection to broader, less tangible realms.