First Day at the Beach 

Octav Angheluta painted ‘First Day at the Beach’ without specifying a date, but as a Romanian artist working through much of the 20th century, his work reflects the changing social mores and artistic expressions of that time. Here we see a nude female figure who appears contemplative. The work doesn't focus on idealizing the body. The woman is rendered with soft lines and muted tones and has a gentle, almost melancholic expression, as if she is lost in thought. Consider how traditional representations of women in art often catered to the male gaze, portraying women as objects of desire. Angheluta’s approach diverges from this. The title of the artwork suggests vulnerability but there is no knowing the real meaning or purpose of the artwork. The artwork's emotional depth encourages viewers to consider the personal experiences and inner lives of the people we encounter, and the importance of sensitivity and respect in how we see one another.