Nøgen stående kvinde, skjulende ansigt 1899

This etching of a nude woman, hiding her face, was made by Frans Schwartz sometime between 1870 and 1917. Schwartz lived and worked during a time of evolving social norms, where academic traditions still held sway, but artists began exploring more intimate and psychological themes. The woman depicted stands with her face obscured, leaning against what seems to be a rough-hewn pillar. In the late 19th century, the female nude was a common subject. However, Schwartz avoids idealization. Instead, he presents a figure in a moment of vulnerability. Her posture and the title, suggest a narrative of shame or introspection. This image prompts reflection on the gaze, privacy, and the emotional complexities of being seen. The artwork creates a space for considering the tensions between exposure and concealment, and how we navigate our own vulnerabilities.