Artwork
Femme vue de dos
Femme vue de dos is a print by Aristide Maillol. It dates from 1924 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Femme vue de dos is a print that presents a nude female figure seen from behind. The subject holds a sheet, her back turned toward the viewer, and the composition emphasizes the profile of her shoulders, spine, and the gentle curve of her body down to the knees.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on the quiet presence of the female form, captured in a moment of stillness. By showing the figure from the rear and incorporating a simple draped sheet, the image invites contemplation of the body’s natural lines without narrative distraction.
Technique & Style
Executed with loose, rapid lines, the print relies on soft shading that softens edges and allows the paper’s texture to emerge in places. The artist emphasizes basic shapes and smooth contours, avoiding intricate detail, which gives the piece an unfinished, sketch‑like quality.
Context
Created within the tradition of early twentieth‑century figurative prints, the work reflects a broader interest in studying the human body through simplified forms. Its emphasis on curve and volume aligns with contemporaneous explorations of anatomy and the aesthetic of restrained elegance.
Artist & collection
Artist
Aristide Joseph Bonaventure Maillol was a French Catalan sculptor, painter, and printmaker.
