Reclining nude Gustave Courbet (1819-1877)

In Francisco Goyas Reclining Nude, also known as La maja desnuda, a woman lies on a rumpled bed, her body exposed. Her head is tilted back and to the side, with her eyes closed, and dark hair splayed around her head. A light-colored cloth is draped loosely over her lower body and arm. The background is mostly dark and nondescript, with a hint of a dimly lit, possibly stormy sky visible in the upper left corner.
The painting is famous for its direct and unashamed depiction of female nudity. The womans gaze, although closed in this pose, is often interpreted as engaging, as if she is aware of being looked at. This directness challenged the conventions of nudes in art at the time, which often relied on mythological or allegorical justifications for nudity. The subtext can be seen as an exploration of sensuality, female sexuality, and the gaze – both the artists and the viewers. The stark lighting and dark background emphasize the figure, while the disheveled bed linens suggest an element of intimacy or perhaps vulnerability. The paintings scandalous nature upon its unveiling speaks to its subversion of societal norms regarding female representation.