Untitled [reclining female nude with a striped pillow] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn captured this reclining nude in an undated drawing. The charcoal line traces the intimate contours of a woman resting against a striped pillow. The composition, dominated by flowing lines, evokes a sense of relaxed contemplation. Diebenkorn's formal approach recalls modernist concerns with line and form. There’s a delicate balance between representation and abstraction, particularly in how the figure merges with the negative space around her. Note the semiotic interplay of the lines; they not only define shape but also suggest shadow and volume, creating depth with minimal means. The striped pillow introduces a graphic element that contrasts with the softer lines of the figure, highlighting a tension between pattern and form. This drawing reflects broader artistic and philosophical inquiries into the essence of form, perception, and representation. Its power lies not just in its aesthetic qualities but in its invitation to explore the boundaries of vision itself.