Artwork
Reclining nude
Reclining nude is an oil painting by Amedeo Modigliani. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1916, this oil painting portrays a reclining nude woman rendered in Modigliani’s characteristic elongated style. The figure lies on her back, head turned, right arm lifted above her head, set against a dark, muted backdrop that highlights the warm tones of her skin.
Subject & Meaning
The work presents an intimate, private moment, emphasizing the serene expression and subtle smile of the model. The composition’s gentle curvature from shoulders to hips and the quiet pose convey a sense of calm contemplation.
Technique & Style
Modigliani employs a restrained palette and chiaroscuro to model volume, using light to accentuate the woman’s face and torso against the somber background. The elongated proportions of the neck, face, and limbs reflect his signature approach to the human form.
History & Provenance
The painting belongs to the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich. Modigliani, an Italian artist who settled in Paris in 1906, was active within the École de Paris and associated with contemporaries such as Picasso and Brâncuși.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Amedeo Clemente Modigliani (US: ; Italian: ; 12 July 1884 – 24 January 1920) was an Italian painter and sculptor of the École de Paris who worked mainly in France.
