Three Nude Women n.d.

This drawing, "Three Nude Women," was made by the Workshop of Raphael, sometime in the early 16th century. In Renaissance art, the female nude was an important subject for artists to explore classical ideals of beauty, with roots in ancient Greek and Roman art. The bodies here reflect cultural values and social structures. The women are idealized, but they also mirror the expectations around women’s bodies and roles during this period. Their nudity is not just about aesthetics; it’s tied to ideas of vulnerability, desire, and the female form as a symbol. Despite the fact that workshops like Raphael's were deeply dominated by men, there were in fact women artists who navigated the restrictions of their time to have their voices heard. These women often challenged conventional representations through their work. Think about Lavinia Fontana or Sofonisba Anguissola who were creating during this same time. These figures, rendered in delicate strokes, exist in dialogue with historical narratives and the personal struggles and triumphs of women artists. It leaves us to consider the place of women in the art world, both then and now.