The artwork entitled “A Nude Lying on Her Back” was created by the artist Henri Matisse in 1927 and belongs to the Expressionism movement. As a genre, this piece is classified as a nude painting (nu). It exemplifies the stylistic characteristics associated with Expressionism and the artist’s interest in form and color.
In the artwork, a female figure is depicted reclining on her back atop a patterned surface that contrasts with the equally vibrant and ornate background. The nude’s body is stylized with fluid, yet defined lines that simplify her form, a trademark of Matisse’s later works. The figure’s flesh is rendered in smooth tones, and shadows are represented by blocks of color rather than by a gradual transition of tones. Characteristic of Matisse’s style, the composition features a bold palette with an array of patterns and colors that suggest depth and texture. The background includes a variety of elements such as a floral pattern, vertical stripes, and a geometric lattice, which emphasize the flatness of the canvas while also creating a rich tapestry of decorative motifs. The use of space and unconventional coloration pushes the boundaries of traditional representation, aligning with the goals of Expressionism to evoke emotion rather than to create a realistic portrayal.
