Standing Nude Female Figure (recto); Studies of a Kneeling Nude Female Figure and of a Man's Head (verso) 1620 - 1630

This is Carlo Cignani’s “Standing Nude Female Figure (recto); Studies of a Kneeling Nude Female Figure and of a Man's Head (verso)", made with red chalk sometime between 1628 and 1719. During the 17th century, artists like Cignani adhered to academic traditions, often idealizing the human form. This drawing reflects the period’s fascination with classical aesthetics. Yet, when we consider the male gaze inherent in much of art history, we might ask: How does the act of depicting a nude female figure reflect or challenge the power dynamics of the time? Here, the woman’s averted gaze and the drapery she holds introduce a sense of modesty, but also vulnerability. What might it have meant for a woman to be represented in this way? Was it empowering, objectifying, or something in between? Cignani's drawing invites us to consider the complex interplay between artistic representation, gender, and societal expectations.