Seated Nude in Profile (Gabrielle) (1913) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Seated Nude in Profile (Gabrielle) - Pierre-Auguste Renoir - 1913

Artwork Information

TitleSeated Nude in Profile (Gabrielle)
ArtistPierre-Auguste Renoir
Date1913
Mediumoil,canvas
Art MovementImpressionism
Current LocationPrivate Collection

About Seated Nude in Profile (Gabrielle)

“Seated Nude in Profile (Gabrielle)” is a work by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, composed in 1913. This oil on canvas masterpiece is a testament to the Impressionist movement, a genre of painting that prioritizes the reflection of light and color over line and contour. As a nude painting (nu), the artwork is part of a long-standing tradition in Western art that explores the beauty and form of the human figure. Currently, the piece resides in a private collection, away from the public eye.

In the artwork, Renoir offers an intimate portrayal of a figure presumably identified as Gabrielle. The subject is seated in a relaxed, sideways position, allowing the viewer a profile view of her form. The warm, soft brushstrokes echo the Impressionist style, blurring the lines between the subject and her surroundings, thus creating a harmonious interplay of the figure with the ambient background. Her body is rendered with a palpable tenderness, the flesh tones and subtle shading lending a sense of depth and corporeality.

The nude figure clutches a piece of white drapery, which contrasts sharply with her skin and provides a textural element to the composition. The figure’s face is turned slightly towards the viewer, displaying a contemplative or inwardly-focused expression, though the details are somewhat obscured in keeping with the Impressionist technique. The background seems to be a lush, diffusely painted garden or natural setting, providing a vibrant backdrop that complements the calming and contemplative mood of the piece. Through this artwork, Renoir continues to celebrate the human form, a recurring theme within his oeuvre, and perpetuates the aesthetic values of Impressionism.

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