Untitled [seated nude resting] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn made this untitled sketch of a seated nude figure with graphite on paper. Notice the model’s pose, with her hand raised to her forehead, a gesture laden with historical echoes. This motif, of a figure with a hand to the head, appears throughout art history, often signifying contemplation or melancholy. We see it in ancient depictions of mourning figures, in classical sculptures of reclining goddesses, and even in modern works expressing introspection. Think of Michelangelo's figures of the Medici Chapel, or Rodin's "Thinker." The pose speaks to a universal human experience of introspection, inviting viewers to project their own emotions and thoughts onto the figure. Such a gesture resonates on a deeply personal level, stirring something within our collective memory. Observe how the model's hand obscures her face, heightening the sense of mystery and emotional ambiguity. This allows the viewer to engage with the image on a subconscious level, tapping into shared cultural memories and feelings of introspection.