Who painted Two Nudes?

Two Nudes was painted by Erhard Schön in 1526.

Where can I see Two Nudes?

Two Nudes is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

Two Nudes

Two Nudes is a print by Erhard Schön. It dates from 1526 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Two Nudes, a woodcut created by Erhard Schön around 1526, features two nude female figures standing in harmony. Born in Nuremberg circa 1491, Schön trained in his father’s workshop and was influenced by Albrecht Dürer’s techniques.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two nude women facing each other, with extended arms suggesting a gesture of impending contact. Their poses and the plain background convey simplicity, elegance, and balance, emphasizing the figures’ interaction.

Technique & Style

Schön’s woodcut reflects Dürer’s influence in figure modeling and composition. The barefoot women, with hair pulled back, stand out against a light, unadorned surface, highlighting Schön’s ability to evoke harmony through minimalism.

History & Provenance

Trained in his father’s Nuremberg workshop, Schön produced *Two Nudes* during a period when nude figures were a common subject in printmaking. The work’s provenance is not detailed here, focusing instead on its creation context.

Context

Created in the early 16th century, *Two Nudes* aligns with the printmaking traditions of Schön’s time, which often explored the nude form. His work, while influenced by Dürer, contributes to the broader artistic dialogue of Nuremberg’s Renaissance scene.

Artist & collection

Artist

Erhard Schön

Erhard Schön (c. 1491–1542) was a German woodcut designer and painter. Schön was born in Nuremberg as the son of painter Max Schön III. He probably started to learn his trade as an artist in the workshop of his father.…