Untitled [seated female nude reading a book] 1955 - 1967

Editor: We’re looking at Richard Diebenkorn’s "Untitled [seated female nude reading a book]", created sometime between 1955 and 1967, using graphite, charcoal and ink. There’s a quiet intimacy to this sketch – she’s so engrossed in her book. What catches your eye about it? Curator: The pose immediately speaks to the intellectual life of women during the mid-20th century. We see a woman, not simply as a nude object, but engaged in the act of reading, claiming intellectual space. The lack of facial detail almost universalizes her experience, making us consider the broader narrative of women’s access to education and self-discovery during that era. Does this reading of the piece influence how you understand its themes? Editor: Definitely. The facelessness now seems less like a sketch and more like a statement. Was Diebenkorn making a conscious commentary, do you think, or simply capturing a moment? Curator: It’s difficult to say with certainty what Diebenkorn’s intentions were. However, the historical context provides some clues. The burgeoning feminist movement certainly influenced artistic expression, and I believe we can view this piece through that lens. It provokes a vital discussion on female representation and empowerment. What did women reading represent in this period? Editor: I suppose it's about autonomy, defining yourself through knowledge and perspective, rather than being defined by others. I hadn't initially seen that. Curator: Precisely. And these sorts of cultural layers really change how we engage with what seems at first like a quick study, but actually is much richer in social significance. Editor: That's given me so much to consider; thank you! Curator: It's been a pleasure unpacking its multiple layers with you!