“Sleeping Nude with Arms Open (Red Nude)” is an oil-on-canvas painting created by Amedeo Modigliani in 1917 in Paris, France. This artwork is a prime example of Expressionism and falls within the genre of nude painting (nu). It measures 60 x 92 cm.
The artwork presents a reclining nude female figure, characterized by Modigliani’s distinctive elongated style and simplified forms. The woman is depicted lying on her back with her arms spread open, her head tilted to one side, and her eyes gently closed, suggesting a state of serene repose. The use of rich, warm tones, particularly the prominent reds, emphasizes the sensuality and warmth of the scene, while the contrast with the cooler blue undertones of the background creates a harmonious balance. The figure’s dark hair frames her face, and the artist’s use of bold outlines accentuates her form, focusing attention on her languid posture and the smooth, flowing lines of her body. Modigliani’s signature stylization imbues the subject with an ethereal, almost sculptural quality, rendering the piece both intimate and timeless.
