“Double Nude Portrait: The Artist and his Second Wife (The leg of mutton nude)” is a 1937 oil on canvas painting by Stanley Spencer, a notable contributor to the Neo-Romanticism art movement. The artwork, with dimensions of 91.5 x 93.5 cm, is a self-portrait and a nude painting depicting the artist alongside his second wife. It is housed at Tate Modern in London, UK.
The artwork showcases a striking and intimate scene, wherein both figures are presented in a naturalistic yet detailed manner characteristic of Spencer’s style. The figures are depicted in a highly personal moment, portrayed with a sense of raw honesty and vulnerability. The title references the inclusion of a leg of mutton, adding a peculiar juxtaposition to the composition. The use of oil on canvas allows for a rich texture and depth, enhancing the portrayal of human skin and form. The expressions and postures of the subjects convey a complex narrative that intertwines themes of intimacy, reality, and perhaps mundane domesticity, encapsulating a moment of candid human experience.
