The artwork, titled “Mornington Crescent nude, contre-jour,” was created by Walter Sickert in 1907. Rendered in oil on canvas, it belongs to the Impressionism art movement. Measuring 50.8 by 61.1 cm, the painting is a notable example of the genre of nude painting (nu). It is currently housed in the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) in Adelaide, Australia.
In “Mornington Crescent nude, contre-jour,” Walter Sickert masterfully captures a nude figure reclining on a bed, illuminated by the soft, diffused light streaming through a window. The use of contre-jour, or backlighting, emphasizes the silhouette of the figure, creating a striking contrast between light and shadow. The scene is intimate and domestic, with carefully rendered details such as the texture of the bed linens, the aged patina of furniture, and the patterned wallpaper. Sickert’s brushwork and color palette evoke the quiet atmosphere of a private interior moment, demonstrating his distinctive Impressionist style.
