Untitled [standing female nude and a detail of a head] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn made this untitled drawing of a standing female nude and a head detail using graphite on paper. Diebenkorn, known for his abstract expressionist and figurative works, often returned to the female form. This drawing reflects his interest in line and shape, reducing the figure to its essential contours. How does this echo, challenge, or redefine traditional representations of women? The female nude as a subject has a long, complex history in art, often entangled with power dynamics and gendered expectations. This simple sketch has Diebenkorn’s exploration of form and his own experiences, inviting us to consider the interplay between artist, model, and viewer. As you look, consider the emotions and stories this depiction evokes within you.