“Reclining Nude from the Back (Nu couché de dos)” is a work of art by Amedeo Modigliani, completed in 1917. This oil on canvas painting is a quintessential piece of the Expressionism movement, measuring 64.5 by 99.5 cm. Portraying the genre of nude painting, the artwork is currently housed at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It was originally created by Modigliani in Paris, France.
The artwork depicts a female figure reclining in a relaxed pose, viewed from behind. The subject’s body curves gently across the canvas, with notable elongation typical of Modigliani’s style. Her skin is rendered in smooth, warm tones, contrasting with the dark, ambiguous background. The tranquility of the figure, along with a face characterized by Modigliani’s signature almond-shaped eyes, simplified features, and a demure expression, capture the viewer’s attention. Expressive lines and soft modeling of the figure’s form convey a sense of both vulnerability and serene confidence, embodying the artist’s unique interpretation of the human form, characteristic of his nudes.
