“Nude on a Blue Cushion” is an oil on canvas painting created by Amedeo Modigliani in 1917 in Paris, France. This exquisite artwork belongs to the Expressionism movement and falls under the genre of nude painting (nu). Currently housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, US, the painting is a distinguished example of Modigliani’s unique artistic style.
The artwork depicts a nude female figure reclining on a blue cushion against a warm-toned background. The woman’s body is painted with elongated lines and exaggerated proportions, characteristic of Modigliani’s work, which imbues the subject with an ethereal and almost sculptural quality. Her face is rendered with delicate, expressive features, and she gazes softly at the viewer, creating an intimate and engaging connection. The blue cushion underneath contrasts beautifully with the warmer hues of the background and the subtle, earthy tones of her skin. The brushwork is fluid, yet defined, encapsulating the flirtation between abstraction and realism that Modigliani so masterfully conveys. This painting reflects both the sensual and serene, embodying the profound grace and emotion of the human form.
