“Brown Girl After Bath” is a portrait and nude painting (nu) by Archibald Motley, created in 1931. This artwork, rendered in oil on canvas, belongs to the Art Deco movement and measures 48.25 cm by 36 cm.
The artwork portrays a young woman seated in front of a vanity mirror, depicted in a vulnerable and intimate moment after taking a bath. The subject’s skin is bathed in warm light, accentuating the smoothness and richness of her complexion. She gazes into the mirror, which also reflects her upper body. The room’s décor, including a lit lamp on the vanity table and a vibrant red draped cloth, enriches the visual composition and ambiance. The interplay of light and shadow, along with the detailed representation of the subject’s form and surroundings, exemplifies Motley’s mastery in capturing both the physical and emotional essence of his subject.
