O chaos éternel 1889

Philip Zilcken created this etching, "O chaos éternel", likely during the late 19th or early 20th century. The title is French for ‘O eternal chaos’. The artwork depicts a reclining nude female figure, possibly asleep or deceased. During this period, the female nude was a frequent subject in art, often viewed through the lens of male desire and aesthetic ideals. The woman's body appears vulnerable, but there is a sense of peacefulness. Consider the social and cultural context in which Zilcken was working: how did prevailing notions of beauty, femininity, and morality affect the way this subject was depicted and perceived? Does the piece challenge or reinforce the stereotypical representation of women? What personal feelings does this piece evoke for you?