Drapery Study of a Reclining Woman (recto) 18th-19th century

Pietro Fancelli made this drawing, Drapery Study of a Reclining Woman, in the late 18th or early 19th century using black chalk on paper. During this time, artists often focused on mastering form and technique through studies of figures and drapery. This study provides insight into the period's approach to representing the female form. While seemingly a simple sketch, the artwork reveals much about the artist’s technical skill and the societal expectations placed on women as artistic subjects. Is she resting or posed? The soft, flowing lines of the drapery contrast with the unseen, yet implied, contours of the woman's body, creating a tension between concealment and revelation. Consider the power dynamics at play: Fancelli, a male artist, captures a woman in repose, a common theme in art history that often reflects male desires and perspectives. The drawing prompts us to reflect on the historical representation of women and the gaze through which they are often depicted. What does it mean to see this reclining woman, and how does it challenge or reinforce traditional narratives?