Untitled [woman standing in a negligee] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn made this untitled drawing of a woman in a negligee with ink on paper. The gestural lines create a sense of intimacy, capturing a private moment. Diebenkorn was working in California during the mid-20th century, a period when art institutions were increasingly focused on abstraction. Yet, he maintained an interest in figuration, evident in his recurring portrayals of women and domestic scenes. The loose lines and unfinished quality of the drawing invite us to consider the artist's process. This piece prompts questions about the relationship between the artist and the model. How are cultural norms around nudity and the gaze at play here? Was this made for public display? Understanding the social and institutional contexts in which art is made is crucial for interpretation. Scholars consult artist's papers, exhibition records, and period reviews to reconstruct the historical context and gain a deeper understanding of its meanings.