Standing Female Nude 

Alfred William Finch captured this Standing Female Nude using oil on canvas with raw brushstrokes. The female nude, a motif that stretches back to antiquity, becomes here an exploration of modern life through a classical lens. Consider Titian's "Venus of Urbino," where the goddess of love reclines, a mirror reflecting her image, much like we see here. Over time, the mirror evolves from a symbol of vanity to one of introspection, questioning identity. Here, the mirror, though partially obscured, suggests a dialogue between the figure and her reflection, hinting at self-awareness. This can be seen as a modern interpretation of Narcissus gazing into the water, not for vanity, but for understanding. The act of reflection has long captivated our collective memory, a primal pull towards understanding ourselves. Like a snake eating its own tail, it represents the cycle of rebirth and renewal, as we look back to move forward.