The artwork, titled “Hottentot,” was created by artist Eric Gill in the year 1920. It is part of the Art Deco movement and falls under the genres of illustration and nude painting (nu). This piece exemplifies the stylistic and thematic tendencies of its time, representing the era’s fascination with simplified forms and elegant contours.
In the artwork, a nude female figure is portrayed in profile, depicted with minimalist yet evocative lines characteristic of the Art Deco style. The figure is rendered in stark black against a cream background, emphasizing the sensuous curves and poised stance. The artist employs a geometric approach to the human form, with the head and limbs suggested through sharp, angular lines, while the body’s curvature is subtly accentuated. The figure’s stance conveys an essence of grace and poise, underscoring Gill’s ability to blend simplicity with refined elegance. This artwork serves as a notable example of early 20th-century artistic trends, reflecting both the aesthetic values and cultural narratives of its era.
