Francesca Woodman

Untitled, from Eel Series, Venice, Italy

About this artwork

Woodman lies naked, in a vulnerable state, the curve of her body echoing the curved form of the eel. She has printed several similar versions of this image with her body on either side of the eel. While Woodman was studying in Rome between 1977 and 1978 she came into contact with the Symbolist work of Max Klinger, whose influence can be seen in this series. The image is sexually charged, yet in placing herself on both sides of the camera Woodman hovers between being in control and being defenceless, exploring the ways in which femininity can be portrayed. The photograph is not a self-portrait in the conventional sense, as it explores the possibilities of representation, instead of revealing the artist’s identity.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Francesca Woodman (1958 - 1981) American
  • title:
    Untitled, from Eel Series, Venice, Italy
  • date created:
    1978
  • materials:
    Gelatin silver print on paper
  • measurements:
    21.90 x 21.80 cm (paper 35.40 x 27.90 cm) (framed: 45.80 x 40.20 x 2.00 cm)
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund, 2008
  • accession number:
    AR00348
  • gallery:
  • subject:
  • glossary:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
This artwork is part of Artist Rooms
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Francesca Woodman

Francesca Woodman