Etudes de deux femmes 

Here you can see "Etudes de deux femmes", a pencil drawing by Narcisse-Virgilio Diaz. Born in France of Spanish descent, Diaz was orphaned at a young age and experienced hardship due to the loss of a leg. This drawing, whose date is unknown, offers us a glimpse into the artistic practices of the 19th century. It reflects a period when academic standards dictated that artists should have a firm understanding of the human form. Diaz's sketch provides insight into the era’s representation of the female nude. Note that Diaz has left his strokes visible to the viewer. The drawing emphasizes the conventional positioning of women as subjects of study. This was a period where women artists were still struggling for recognition and autonomy in the art world. The intimacy of the pencil on paper invites a personal connection, highlighting the societal gaze and how it shapes perceptions of beauty and identity.