Untitled [back view of a standing woman in a frilled hat] 1955 - 1967

Curator: This work, dated between 1955 and 1967, is an untitled pencil drawing by Richard Diebenkorn. It features the back view of a standing woman, distinguished by a remarkable frilled hat. What are your first impressions? Editor: I'm struck by the bare simplicity. The visible pencil lines betray a sketch-like immediacy, highlighting the artist’s process in capturing the woman's form. It has a distinct mid-century vibe with its slightly awkward proportions. Curator: The formal qualities are quite interesting. Diebenkorn employs a contour line approach, emphasizing the figure's outline. Observe how the hat is rendered—almost like a sunburst, creating a playful contrast with the relatively somber pose of the woman. Semiotically, we could interpret the hat as a signifier of status, perhaps leisure. Editor: Yes, the lines indeed define the work but also tell a tale of the creative hand. This medium allows for correction, for movement. Consider the economic factors: paper and pencil make art accessible; no precious paints or complicated sculpture. A very down-to-earth representation in the choice of materials. Curator: True, yet there’s a studied elegance in the way the planes are suggested, not fully defined. This evokes a certain tension, between representation and abstraction, consistent with Diebenkorn’s larger project. Editor: For me, this tension embodies the struggles of women of that era, especially the performative aspects of beauty and dress. A simple tool reflects how everyday lives became artistic subjects, not idealized. The back view hides identity, raising the question of objectification and looking at labor and visibility as its core. Curator: That’s a valid perspective, connecting material with meaning. For me, however, this particular work invites contemplation on the formal aspects of portraiture, how the artist could explore character without directly depicting the face. The frilled hat and other costume components introduce interesting dynamics. Editor: It highlights accessibility in art, how mundane materials can convey societal tensions. It reflects how common moments are captured in something enduring, accessible to many, making it a fascinating object to experience. Curator: An important point; the apparent simplicity obscures thoughtful construction that is revealed to any close looking and appreciation for drawing. Editor: Absolutely. These raw marks on paper create a lens into history that moves past only what’s shown, engaging social elements as well.