Seated Nude 1939

William H. Johnson, an African-American artist, made this woodcut, titled "Seated Nude," at some point in his career. The figure's pose is reminiscent of traditional European nudes, but Johnson's stylized approach, with its bold lines and flattened perspective, is rooted in his desire to explore African and African-American identity. The woodcut medium itself is significant. It's a technique with a rich history in both Western and non-Western art traditions, particularly in printmaking for social and political commentary. Johnson perhaps chose woodcut for its accessibility and its association with folk art, aligning with his interest in portraying everyday life and experiences. Johnson's work often challenges the conventions of the art world, critiquing its biases and limitations. By depicting a Black nude, he confronts the exclusion of Black bodies from the history of art while simultaneously asserting their beauty and dignity. To understand Johnson's art fully, we need to consider his biography and the social context in which he lived and worked. Researching his life, the Harlem Renaissance, and the history of Black artists in America can shed light on the layers of meaning in his work.