Since humans began making art, voluptuous, reclining nudes have been depicted in countless works. From the early European cave drawings to the reddish limestone Venus of Willendorf that dates back to 28,000-25,000 B.C., women have been depicted naked in art for various reasons, including procreative powers and sexual allure. Today, Brooklyn-based artist Kurt Kauper explores female nudes in a new light with an exhibition at the Almine Rech Gallery on the Upper East Side through February 24.
Kauper’s paintings are evocative and poetic, with fine contours dominated by curves that look both muscular and fluid. The nude bodies are reminiscent of the cubists, but with Kauper’s own unique style that has been described as “frank, generous, and ode-like.”
Throughout history, many artists have used the female body as an exploration of sex, beauty, and the human condition. But the depiction of nude women in art has also been controversial, raising concerns about objectification and desire and prompting anxieties about sexual mores and gender roles.
For instance, realist Naked models painters often focused on nudes from their daily lives, such as the Spanish painter Francisco de Goya’s 1790 portrait La maja desnuda (Lady of the Night), which portrays his mistress. The reclining, confident figure gazes directly at the viewer without shame or shyness and appears to be unashamed of her nakedness. The painting caused a scandal when it was first displayed as it reveals pubic hair, a taboo at the time.
In contrast, Rococo painters such as the Italian artist Giambattista Tiepolo (1727–1804) and his contemporaries celebrated femininity in their bold nude paintings. But these works were also deemed provocative and disturbing because they were evocations of an incestuous relationship between Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, and her son Cupid. Such incestuous depictions went against religious morality at the time and sparked debate about the role of art and its relationship to morality.
More recently, the emergence of feminist art has brought new considerations to the representation of nude women. During the 1970s, a movement emerged led by artists such as Joan Semmel and Betty Tompkins who sought to reclaim the depiction of female nudeness from sex and desire, and instead focus on the complexity of the feminine form. But while these works often challenge the way the human body is portrayed, they haven’t changed the way the world looks at the naked female form.
Whether it’s a traditional pajama or an off-the-shoulder nightie, clothing can make sleeping more difficult. But researchers have found that sleeping naked can help you relax before bed, which in turn helps you sleep better. And it’s not just about the comfort factor—sleeping nude can reduce stress, which is a leading sleep disruptor. In fact, one study found that 57 percent of nude sleepers reported higher levels of happiness with their partners than those who slept in pajamas or onesies. Plus, skin-to-skin contact releases the oxytocin hormone that promotes bonding. Here are more benefits to ditching your PJs.