The artwork “Nude’s Back” is a creation of Henri Matisse from the year 1918 and showcases his post-impressionistic style through the medium of oil on canvas. This nude painting (nu) is a part of the collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
The artwork illustrates a scene with a figure depicted from behind. This representation of the nude is characterized by a free use of color and a simplification of form, which were prominent elements in the Post-Impressionist movement, challenging the conventional notions of realism from the earlier 19th century. The curves of the figure’s back are accentuated through a contrast of light and shadow, creating a sense of volume within the form. The background features a vibrant assembly of patterns and shapes, with a particular emphasis on the contrast between the organic lines of the figure and the geometric forms surrounding it. Matisse’s use of color is both expressive and unconventional, eschewing realism for a more emotional and evocative combination of hues that appear to define the mood and atmosphere of the piece.
