“Between Acts,” a 1935 oil on canvas by Archibald Motley, encompasses the Art Deco movement and falls within the genre of genre painting and nude painting (nu). The artwork vividly depicts a scene imbued with a blend of intimacy and theatricality.
In the artwork, two women are shown in a dressing room preparing themselves, with one seated and smoking while the other stands facing a mirror, adjusting her hair. Both are in varying stages of undress, highlighting the nude (nu) aspect of the painting. The interior is adorned with rich, vibrant colors and distinctive lighting typical of the Art Deco style. In the background, a man dressed formally in a top hat and tails, complete with a cane, stands at the doorway casting a glance towards the women. The composition’s intricate detailing and the dynamic interplay of characters encapsulate a moment of pause, capturing a candid yet elaborate scene.
