“Paris Nude” is an artwork by Edvard Munch created in 1896 while the artist was in Paris, France. This nude painting (nu) is crafted with oil on canvas and is a part of the Expressionist movement. The artwork measures 80.5 cm by 60.5 cm and is housed in the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway.
The artwork portrays a solitary nude figure from behind, seated and engaged in an intimate and quiet moment. The subject’s form is rendered with fluid, expressive brushstrokes, common to Munch’s style, that convey movement and emotion. Warm and rich color tones dominate the composition, predominantly in shades of red, signaling the intensity and passion often associated with Munch’s work. The figure delicately interacts with an item beside her, possibly a white cloth or garment, which contrasts starkly with the vibrantly hued background. The contradiction of the figure’s tranquility amidst the fiery palette encapsulates the complexity of human psyche explored in Expressionism. The figure’s pose and the setting are simplified, focusing on the mood and inner feelings rather than detailed realism, which is a hallmark of Munch’s approach to art.
