The artwork “Seated Nude” by Amedeo Modigliani was created in 1918 in Paris, France. This oil on canvas piece measures 37 x 29 cm and is a nude painting (nu) within the Expressionism movement. This painting is part of a private collection.
“Seated Nude” features the elongated forms and stylized features that are characteristic of Modigliani’s portraits and nudes. The figure in this painting sits against a muted background, bringing focus to the elegantly simplified shapes and contours of the body. The subject’s skin is depicted in a warm, almost monochromatic palette, emphasizing the smoothness and curves of her form. Her hands rest gently on her thigh, contributing to the overall sense of composure and quiet reflection. The subject’s face is simplified but expressive, with a slightly tilted head and features that bear the distinct elongation typical of Modigliani’s style. The figure’s gaze is directed away from the viewer, adding a sense of introspection to the composition. Despite the potential for a classical representation, Modigliani’s treatment of the subject is modern, reducing the form to its essentials while still capturing an aura of living flesh and personality.