Nude by a Bench 

Here we see Robert McGinnis’s ‘Nude by a Bench’, though the date of its creation is not known. McGinnis started his career in the 1950s, an era when the male gaze heavily influenced the portrayal of women in art. The artist’s approach in this piece invites contemplation. The nude woman is positioned in an ambiguous setting, on a bench with classical motifs. Her slightly averted gaze and relaxed stance give her agency in her own representation, moving away from traditional objectification. But can we really say she has agency when the artist dictates her pose? This image offers an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of representing women in art and challenges us to question the power dynamics at play. The work is evocative and personal, encouraging us to consider the cultural narratives around femininity that shape both the artist's work and our interpretation of it.