Artwork
Reclining Nude
Reclining Nude is a print by Aristide Maillol. It dates from 1922 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Aristide Maillol’s Reclining Nude is a print produced in 1922. The work depicts a solitary, seated figure rendered without clothing, emphasizing the sculptural qualities of the human form. It is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed among the museum’s holdings of early‑20th‑century prints.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a single nude figure in a relaxed, horizontal pose, inviting contemplation of the body’s natural curves and balance. Maillol’s focus on simplified, harmonious forms aligns with his broader interest in classical ideals and the timeless study of anatomy, rather than narrative or overt symbolism.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print, the work employs Maillol’s characteristic use of clear, flowing lines and a restrained tonal range that echo the qualities of his sculptural practice. The image’s smooth contours and minimal detailing reflect a modernist approach that bridges traditional figurative representation with early 20th‑century abstraction.
History & Provenance
Created in the post‑World War I period, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the mid‑20th century. Its presence in the museum underscores the institution’s commitment to representing key developments in modern French printmaking and the oeuvre of Maillol.
Artist & collection
Artist
Aristide Joseph Bonaventure Maillol was a French Catalan sculptor, painter, and printmaker.
