Staande vrouw, schuin op de rug gezien 1728 - 1770

This drawing, "Standing Woman, Seen from an Angle from the Back", was created by François Boucher in the 18th century. Boucher, a favorite painter of Madame de Pompadour, embodies the Rococo era's focus on ornamentation and the aristocracy. Here, a woman, likely of the upper class given her elaborate gown, is depicted from behind. Her posture and dress suggest a narrative of courtly life, replete with its social expectations and gendered performances. Consider how her dress, with its voluminous fabric, both empowers and constrains her movement and presence. The folds and shadows of the fabric hint at the luxury afforded to women of her status, yet simultaneously, the way her body is obscured raises questions about identity and individuality. Through the lens of contemporary feminist theory, we might ask: how does Boucher's work negotiate female identity? What is revealed or concealed in this representation, and how does it echo or challenge societal norms? The drawing invites us to consider the multifaceted roles women played in the 18th century.