Nu endormie 

Paul César Helleu made this drawing of a sleeping nude, likely in France at the turn of the 20th century. At this time, the nude was a staple of academic art, a tradition reaching back to the Renaissance, but here, the artist presents a softer, more intimate vision. Helleu's quick, sketch-like lines capture a sense of fleeting beauty, which became a hallmark of Impressionism, a movement rooted in the radical idea that paintings should reflect the artist's immediate sensory experience. But it also departs from Impressionism in its focus on classical figure drawing, as well as its appeal to a conservative artistic establishment. This work reflects the complex push and pull between tradition and modernity that defined French art at the time. By researching the cultural and institutional contexts of art like this, we can gain a deeper understanding of its historical significance and lasting impact.