The artwork titled “The Start of a Fairy Tale,” created by Eric Fischl in 1988, belongs to the art movement known as Contemporary Realism and falls within the genre of nude painting. This piece of art presents an evocative and intimate scene set within a forested landscape.
The artwork portrays a figure standing on a path surrounded by trees, its serene atmosphere interrupted by the human presence. The central figure appears to be in the midst of changing or undressing, holding a red piece of clothing, possibly a swimsuit. The presence of a dog lying on the ground with an air of tranquility adds to the narrative quality of the scene. The use of light and shadow, along with the fragmented composition of the painting, contributes to the sense of a fleeting, almost dreamlike moment, characteristic of Fischl’s poignant storytelling through his art.