Nude Model in the Studio

Laura Knight (English, 1877-1972) – Nude Model in the Studio, c.1913 (Watercolour with gouache and pencil) – In 1913, Knight painted the revolutionary painting, Self Portrait with Nude. This subversive self-portrait was the first instance in the history of art of a painting depicting a female artist engaging in the practice of life drawing. This historically significant painting challenged the widespread barring of female students from life drawing classes. By creating works such as this, Knight was actively opening up a vital dialogue and encouraging a reassessment of the position of women within the art world. This drawing depicts a naked model casually tidying the studio – which may relate to Self Portrait with a Nude. – NégyArt (Szingy Books)