The artwork titled “Lying Nude (The Bather IX)” was created by the artist Georges Braque in 1932, in France. It is an oil painting on canvas and falls under the art movement of Surrealism. The genre of the piece is nude painting (nu). Currently, this artwork is held in a private collection.
The composition depicts a reclining nude figure, an exploration of form that underscores Braque’s interest in the human figure and its representation. Despite being associated with Surrealism at this point, the painting also reflects Braque’s background in Cubism, evident in the fragmented and faceted treatment of space and form. The figure is entwined in a series of shapes and patterns that blur the distinction between the body and its surroundings, giving the scene a dreamlike quality that resonates with Surrealist tendencies. The palette is relatively muted, with earthy tones juxtaposed against splashes of more vivid colors, contributing to both the harmony and tension within the picture. The overall effect challenges the viewer to negotiate the boundaries of the figure and space, engaging with a complex visual narrative that transcends realistic depiction.