Femme nue assise de dos 1888 - 1891

Pierre Puvis de Chavannes made this drawing of a nude woman seated from behind with graphite. Puvis de Chavannes lived in a time when academic art was being challenged by new ideas about what art should be, but he maintained some traditional values. In the 19th century, nudes were a common subject in art, often representing ideas about beauty, nature, and the body. But, these depictions were mostly of women seen through the eyes of men, fitting into what we now recognize as the male gaze. As we look at this drawing, we can consider how it fits into these traditions and whether it offers a different view. In this representation, the figure's lack of adornment directs our focus onto the raw form and contours of the human body, offering an intimate glimpse into the artist's study of form and perspective. Consider how the presentation of the female body is handled here. Does it perpetuate or challenge established norms? What can it tell us about how artists in that era perceived and portrayed women?