Nu 

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this drawing, titled "Nu," with graphite. It depicts a nude woman seated on a chair, bent over, perhaps drying herself. Steinlen was a Swiss-born French artist who worked in Paris. This image captures a common theme of the time, of the female nude in a private setting. As art historians, we need to consider what this means in the context of late 19th century France. Was this part of the progressive movement towards realism, focusing on modern life? Or was it a continuation of the male gaze, objectifying women for a predominantly male audience? Steinlen was known for his socially conscious art, often depicting the lives of the working class. He also did commercial work for magazines, and his images often featured the female figure, perhaps influenced by the visual codes of his time. Understanding these associations helps us better interpret this drawing. We can research the cultural climate of Paris during this period, examining art criticism, social commentary, and the artist's biography, to better understand the meaning and significance of this work.