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Seated Nude

Aristide Maillol

Artwork Details

Seated Nude
circa 1881-1944
Aristide Maillol
patina on bronze
8 1/4 in. x 6 11/16 in. x 2 3/8 in. ( 21 cm x 17 cm x 6 cm )
Gift of A. Paul and Ellen G. Victor
1985/1.127

Description

Subject Matter:

When Maillol began to concentrate on sculpture, he created many small statues of nude female figures. He modeled them in terracotta clay and they were later cast in bronze. The figures were shown in various poses-- reclining, kneeling, crouching -- and sitting. Maillol emulated the idealistic treatment of human form in Greek sculpture, but his nudes relate his portrayal of the female figure as a rythmic arrangement of shapes and forms.

Physical Description:

This is a 21cm tall bronze sculpture of a nude female figure seated on a stump-like form with her legs extending out in front of her and crossed at the ankles. She leans the weight of her body on her left arm, as her left hand grasps the edge of the stump. Her right arm is bent and raised, with the back of her hand resting against the left side of her head. She is gazing downward and her arm seems to be shielding her face. Her hair is pulled back and gathered in a knot. The patina is dark brown and the metal surface has a uneven appearance.

Usage Rights:

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