Dear Sophie -
Going to the PRADO Museum in Madrid is one of the great art feasts in the world. Reproduced images of the paintings can't express the joy one experiences being in their presence.
Just when I thought I had seen it all, (well not all but a lot)...
GOYA! Holy .... This guy could paint. These paintings are luminous. The technique seemingly effortless. He was a court painter, documenting as well as commentating on the the royal family, nobles and the times. (1746 - 1828).
This nude painting done sometime around 1800 was said to be the first clear depiction of female pubic hair in a western painting. It was so controversial that in 1815 the Spanish Inquisition summoned Goya to reveal who commissioned him to create the work.
Here's the dressed version.
No one has been able to verify either the model or who made the request. One of art history's delightful mysteries! With love,
Mom