Reclining Woman c. 1911 - 1912

Editor: Here we have "Reclining Woman" by Christian Rohlfs. It's a charcoal drawing, and the mood feels quite introspective to me. What stands out to you? Curator: The figure’s pose and the rough texture of the charcoal situate this work within a broader narrative of female representation in art history. How does Rohlfs challenge or reinforce the male gaze often associated with reclining nudes? Editor: That's a good point. I hadn't considered the power dynamics at play. The sketchiness almost feels like a rejection of idealized forms. Curator: Exactly. The lack of idealization, combined with Rohlfs’s later expressionist style, might suggest a commentary on the societal pressures placed on women. Does this reading change how you perceive the artwork? Editor: Definitely. It makes me see the work as a statement, rather than just a study of form. Thank you for sharing.