Untitled [reclining nude with her hand covering her pubis] 1955 - 1967

Richard Diebenkorn created this untitled drawing of a reclining nude figure with graphite on paper. The composition immediately draws our eye across the elongated form, lying diagonally across the page. The soft, gestural lines create a sense of movement and intimacy, while the deliberate shading defines the contours of the figure. The hand placed over the pubis functions less as a literal representation and more as an exploration of form and negative space. Diebenkorn masterfully uses line weight to suggest depth and volume. The seemingly casual approach belies a carefully constructed study in form, reminiscent of the modernist explorations of the human figure by artists like Matisse and Picasso. By focusing on the interplay of lines and shapes, Diebenkorn reduces the figure to its essential elements, emphasizing its abstract qualities. Ultimately, the drawing invites us to contemplate the relationship between representation and abstraction, challenging our preconceived notions of the nude form.