Bela Cobel, Nude.. 

Bela Czobel made this nude drawing with charcoal, likely in the early to mid-20th century. What do we make of this image today? Well, we should consider that the tradition of the nude in Western art has often served to reinforce conventional ideas about beauty and power. This drawing may seem like a straightforward study of the human form. However, we must remember the socio-political context in which it was made. The male gaze was dominant in art institutions, and the female body was often objectified. Given these historical circumstances, we can ask: Does this drawing perpetuate those power dynamics, or does it challenge them? Does the artist give agency to the subject, or is she merely an object to be viewed? To answer these questions, we might look at the artist's biography, exhibition histories, and critical reception. We can also examine the visual codes within the artwork, such as the model's pose and expression. Art historians can use these tools to better understand the complex relationship between art and society.