Twee figuren in zwemkleding c. 1930 - 1940

Editor: This drawing, "Twee figuren in zwemkleding," by Otto Verhagen, likely created sometime between 1930 and 1940, shows two figures rendered in pencil. There's something almost awkward about the composition, and it makes me wonder what Verhagen was trying to express about these figures. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, looking at the time period, we have to consider the changing representations of the female body and leisure. The sketch, while simple, captures a moment of perhaps sanctioned freedom, with the women in swimwear. I am interested in that second figure - why are we positioned looking up and only seeing her torso? It's a compositional choice that disrupts the conventional gaze. The first is lithe and idealized; the second woman’s back is given space on the page. Considering the socio-political context of the era and the emergence of the "New Woman", is this drawing trying to show all shapes? Does it subtly challenge beauty ideals of the period? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. I was so focused on what I perceived as the "oddness" of it that I missed the possible commentary. Curator: Perhaps the oddness is what's most interesting. It resists easy categorization, forcing us to question our own assumptions about representation and beauty. What’s compelling here is how Verhagen’s approach subverts what was expected. What are your final thoughts? Editor: I think it pushes us to consider the societal context in which artists make choices. Also, to think more about the viewer’s responsibility in how they are looking. Curator: I agree. This piece exemplifies the power of art to challenge norms. It's more than just a sketch; it's a statement about visibility, representation, and the diverse ways of being.