The artwork “Female Nude Lying on Her Stomach” is a creation by Egon Schiele, an Austrian painter known for his contribution to Expressionism. Completed in 1917 in Vienna, Austria, this nude painting is part of a genre that focuses on the human figure in its natural form. Schiele’s work can be characterized by its raw intensity and the expressive use of line that is typical of the Expressionist movement. This particular piece is held at the Albertina, located in Vienna, Austria.
The artwork depicts a female figure reclining prostrate, with her torso propped up by her elbows, and her head resting in her hand, casually gazing towards the viewer. The pose is relaxed and natural, conveying a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Schiele’s characteristic use of line is evident in the bold, almost scribbled contouring of the woman’s body, which adds a sense of dynamism and emotional depth to the figure. The color palette is somewhat muted, with the figure’s pale skin accented with shades of blue and red, highlighting the natural curves and contours of her form.
Schiele’s brushwork provides texture and conveys the tactile quality of flesh, while the woman’s features, particularly her face and hair, are rendered with greater detail and a richer chromatic range than the rest of her body. Her expression is pensively distant, yet there is an engaging quality about her gaze that holds the viewer’s attention.
The background of the artwork is sparse, an unadorned canvas that ensures all focus remains on the figure herself. This places the subject at the forefront of the viewer’s experience, letting the emotional and physical state of the figure dominate the narrative of the piece.
The presence of Schiele’s unique square signature in the bottom right portion of the artwork confirms his authorship and adds an authenticating detail to the overall composition.
