Untitled [nude resting on her knee and leaning forward] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn created this ink on paper drawing of a nude figure. The artwork's power lies in its deceptive simplicity. The lean, confident lines sketch out a figure resting on her knee, leaning forward. This minimalism focuses our attention on the fundamental structure of the human form. Diebenkorn’s use of line is particularly striking. Each stroke seems deliberate, capturing not just the outline of the figure, but also something of its inner form. The negative space is just as important, implying volume and depth. The facelessness disrupts traditional portraiture, challenging viewers to consider identity beyond mere physical representation. The drawing invites us to reconsider traditional notions of beauty and representation, reminding us that art is not just about what is depicted, but how. Diebenkorn encourages us to see the familiar in new ways.