French School (xx) - Young Nude Woman Standing In An Interior

French school (XX) 
Young nude woman standing in an interior
Oil on panel
Inner dimensions 32 x 27 cm
Frame dimensions 37 x 32.5 x 2 cm

Nudity and art have been connected since the beginning of humanity. Female nudity in art, divine or mortal, became a fascinating and shocking symbol. For centuries, artists have been accused, absolved, marginalised because of the subjects but at the same time gained admiration, glory, and acceptance.
A woman undressing is at her most vulnerable — alone, half-nude, self-absorbed, unprepared for prying eyes. 'La toilette', or the theme of women undressing in art is one that has been depicted throughout history. For centuries, women experienced the ordinary act of washing or undressing in less than complete solitude. Women of a certain class were rarely alone, even when attending to the most intimate parts of their bodies. Their lives were, in a sense, communal property, especially those of wealthier women who until the mid-19th century were the ones most frequently depicted in artwork, although prostitutes and mistresses were also subject matter. The depiction of the act of “la toilette,” or preparing oneself for the day, shows an innate tension between an artistic interest in a woman’s private moments and voyeurism. But by the end of the 19th century, these women are finally alone.

This particular painting is an example of a young woman undressing (or dressing up), without the presence of prying eyes. She does not seem shy at all and it seems she possesses her own private space. Unfolding her clothes, which she carefully placed on a chair, she is taking her time in her dressing ritual.

Condition of the work is very good, the frame is showing a bit of age wear (as seen in pictures). 

Pick up possible in France