Untitled [seated female nude holding and examining an object] 1955 - 1967

Editor: Here we have Richard Diebenkorn’s "Untitled [seated female nude holding and examining an object]," an ink and watercolor drawing created sometime between 1955 and 1967. It’s quite striking – the blue lines against the grey washes create this feeling of both intimacy and detachment. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a study in observation and self-containment. The seated nude, almost skeletal in its rendering, isn't simply presented; she's actively engaged in examining something, holding an unidentifiable object. It evokes curiosity. What object commands her attention? Is it an emblem of femininity, a symbol of her interiority, or perhaps even something discarded? Editor: That’s interesting. I was focused on the lines themselves and didn’t consider what she’s holding that carefully. So you think that object holds a key? Curator: Perhaps. Notice how her gaze is fixed, absorbed. The object becomes a mirror reflecting her inner world. In art history, nudes often serve as symbols – of beauty, vulnerability, or even the artist's gaze. But here, the roles are somewhat reversed; she is the observer, possessing agency. Do you see a narrative being constructed? Editor: I do, now that you point it out! It’s less about the nude as a subject and more about the act of observation itself. It's also so interesting how Diebenkorn uses these very simple forms, the minimal use of line, and limited shading… to suggest a depth of psychological space. Curator: Precisely. It touches on the timeless theme of contemplation, using modern artistic language. Editor: I’ll definitely be thinking differently about Diebenkorn’s nudes from now on! Thank you! Curator: And I about the role of everyday objects. Thank you!