“Growing Up in the Company of Women II,” created by Eric Fischl in 1986, is a work of Contemporary Realism, classified as a nude painting (nu). It forms part of the series “Growing Up in the Company of Women.”
The artwork depicts a serene outdoor scene, composed of three distinct yet intertwined panels. The central panel features a young boy poised on the grass, dressed only in shorts, which evokes a sense of innocence and freedom. His gaze is directed towards an unseen point, suggesting curiosity or anticipation. Another panel, positioned on the viewer’s left, introduces a Dalmatian dog that appears animated and dynamic, which adds a layer of exuberance to the composition. In the background of the same panel, a nude figure of a woman stands, surrounded by lush greenery and a distant building with a soft, purple hue, which contrasts yet harmonizes with the natural tones of the scene. The setting is rich with verdant trees and foliage, enhancing the sense of a tranquil, sunny day in a suburban or rural environment. Through this multi-faceted composition, Fischl explores themes of youth, nature, and the human form within a familiar landscape.