Undressing 

Patrick Nagel made this striking image, “Undressing,” during the 1980s. His stylized images of women became synonymous with the era. Here, the simplified forms and bold outlines recall the clean lines of graphic design, while the cool color palette suggests a sense of detached sophistication. Nagel's women often embody a certain enigmatic allure. They are both powerful and vulnerable, reflecting the changing roles of women in society during the 1980s. We can see that the institutional history of the gallery scene is in part responsible for the popularization of such a stylized image of women. Nagel's work also raises important questions about the male gaze and the objectification of women in art. Is this a feminist statement? Or is Nagel complicit in reinforcing traditional power dynamics? As art historians, we rely on various resources, like period magazines and exhibition reviews, to unpack the social and cultural context of art. Understanding these contexts allows us to interpret the meanings and the social effects of an artwork.