Female Nude c. 20th century

Editor: Here we have Gaston Lachaise's "Female Nude," a simple yet striking line drawing residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It has an almost monumental feel despite its modest size. What do you make of this bold figure? Curator: It's intriguing, isn’t it? Lachaise clearly revels in the female form, exaggerating curves with such confidence! There is a raw energy in his work as if he wants to give substance and importance to his beloved's figure, a celebration of feminine power. Editor: It’s powerful, but is there also humor? Curator: Absolutely! There's a playful wink in that simplified line, a lightness that prevents it from becoming overly serious. It’s as if he's saying, "Look at this glorious form! Isn't life grand?". Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn’t considered. Thanks for showing me a new way to engage with this nude.