Seated Woman 

Giambologna, a sculptor active in 16th-century Florence, crafted this bronze sculpture of a seated woman. The artist's mastery is evident in the figure's sensuous, twisting pose. During this time, the female nude was often used to represent ideals of beauty, virtue, and femininity. However, the incompleteness of this sculpture encourages us to reflect on its social and cultural context, and to ask some critical questions about the male gaze. Giambologna's sculpture prompts us to consider the power dynamics inherent in the act of representing the female form. The absence of the woman's head and arms invites contemplation on themes of objectification. The sculpture presents a partial, fragmented view of the female body. It challenges viewers to reflect on the male gaze and the historical construction of female identity.