Reclining female nude 

Rafael Zabaleta created this drawing, Reclining Female Nude, at an unknown date with an undefined medium. Zabaleta lived through the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent dictatorship of Francisco Franco. As a gay man in a repressive society, his life and art were undoubtedly shaped by these experiences. Here, a nude woman reclines amidst drapery and cushions. Her gaze drifts slightly upward and to the right, creating a sense of longing or contemplation. Her body is rendered with a stark honesty that resists idealization. The use of hatching and cross-hatching gives volume to the figure, while simultaneously emphasizing the graphic quality of the medium. Consider how Zabaleta, as a man, portrays the female nude. Is there an element of objectification, or does he capture a sense of vulnerability and interiority? The woman's gaze and relaxed pose suggest a moment of introspection, inviting the viewer to consider her emotional state. Ultimately, this drawing is not just a representation of a body, but an invitation to reflect on identity, desire, and the complex relationship between artist and model.