The artwork “Seated Nude” by Amedeo Modigliani was created in 1917 in Paris, France. An oil on canvas, it measures 114 by 75 centimeters and belongs to the Expressionism movement. The painting features the genre of nude painting (nu).
“Seated Nude” by Modigliani aptly showcases his signature style, which features elongated faces and figures, a muted yet earthy color palette, and simplified and sometimes almost abstracted forms. This piece depicts a woman seated against a darkly colored backdrop. Her pose is relaxed and casual, with legs folded beneath her and one arm resting along her body, accentuating the curves and softness of her form. The woman’s gaze is directed off-canvas, and her facial features are stylized with elongated lines, which is a distinctive trait of Modigliani’s portraiture. The distinct brushstrokes and the subtle interplay of light and dark add a sense of depth and texture to the painting. The overall effect is one that conveys the nude not simply as a subject of physical study, but as a conduit for emotional and psychological expression—hallmarks of Modiglianian expressionism.
