Mid-Century Seated Nude Study

Original mid-century figure study on canvas board. One seated nude is rendered with bold, gestural brushwork in warm ochre and brown tones, while a second face is lightly sketched beside her in confident line work. Executed in likely acrylic on canvas adhered to a rigid board.

6 x 7 1/8”

Executed in the style of mid-20th century academic studies, common in both European and American ateliers. The expressive brushwork and soft-toned palette reflect the training methods used in life drawing studios of the time. The “4/66” inscription likely references a studio numbering system, suggesting it was part of a series of live model sessions — each a small, intimate moment of observation and technique.

There’s an honesty and immediacy to figure studies like this that finished works rarely capture — a rawness in the line, a decisiveness in the brushwork, a fleeting gesture caught in real time. The textured canvas, warm ochre hues, and subtle metallic shimmer give this piece a richness that belies its size.

Styling suggestions:

A striking piece for leaning on a bookshelf or styling on a small easel. Its intimate scale and expressive strokes make it perfect for adding a moment of quiet beauty to a bedroom, powder room, or creative workspace.