Nude 

Jean-Louis Forain created this drawing, "Nude," using crayon on paper. Forain worked in France at a time when academic traditions were being challenged. The image of the nude model has a long history, going back to the Renaissance. These images were often idealized and made to represent mythological or historical figures. Forain's drawing however presents a more intimate and immediate view of the model. The loose lines and warm tones give it an informal character. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the representation of women in art was heavily influenced by social norms and expectations. Artists were beginning to question those conventions and explore the female form in new ways. By studying the art criticism of the period, and understanding the institutional structures, we can appreciate how Forain’s work fits into the changing artistic landscape of his time.