Semi-Clad Girl 

Augustus John created this pencil drawing, "Semi-Clad Girl", capturing a moment of relaxed repose. John was working in a period where artists were beginning to challenge the strict Victorian ideals of female representation. This piece presents us with a figure that hovers between classical ideals and a more intimate, personal vision. The woman's gaze is directed upwards, away from the viewer, giving a sense of introspection. Her pose, with one arm raised, might evoke classical sculptures, yet the loose, informal lines of the drawing suggest a modern sensibility. John was known for his interest in bohemian culture and his travels with Romani communities, which influenced his artistic perspective. How does John navigate the boundaries between the objectification and empowerment of his female subject? This image invites us to consider the complex interplay between the artist's gaze and the subject's own sense of self.