Artwork

Nude Man and Woman

Nude Man and Woman, by Aristide Maillol, 1912
Nude Man and Woman, by Aristide Maillol, 1912

Nude Man and Woman is a print by Aristide Maillol. It dates from 1912 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Nude Man and Woman, a bronze sculpture created around 1912 by Aristide Maillol, features two nude figures in close proximity. Characterized by simple, rounded forms, the piece embodies Maillol's emphasis on the human body as a symbol of calmness and solidity.

Subject & Meaning

The sculpture depicts a man standing behind a woman, his hands gently placed on her shoulders. The absence of facial features shifts focus towards the serene, intimate interaction between the two figures, conveying a sense of timeless, universal connection.

Technique & Style

Maillol's use of smooth, detailed surfaces and rounded shapes gives the sculpture a sense of quiet strength. Its aesthetic leans more towards ancient sculptural traditions than the early 20th-century art of its time, reflecting Maillol's distinctive approach.

History & Provenance

Nude Man and Woman is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is currently housed.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Aristide Maillol

Artist

Aristide Maillol

Aristide Joseph Bonaventure Maillol was a French Catalan sculptor, painter, and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.