Artwork

Etude de femme nue, les bras abaissés (Study of a Nude Woman, with Lowered Arms)

Etude de femme nue, les bras abaissés (Study of a Nude Woman, with Lowered Arms), by Jean-Louis Forain, ink, 1900
Etude de femme nue, les bras abaissés (Study of a Nude Woman, with Lowered Arms), by Jean-Louis Forain, ink, 1900

Etude de femme nue, les bras abaissés (Study of a Nude Woman, with Lowered Arms) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:"forain" lower right margin, graphite artist's hand. Not dated. Verso: none.
Markings
Marked:"National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1932d).

About this work

Overview

Etude de femme nue, les bras abaissés is a transfer lithograph on laid Arches paper created by Jean-Louis Forain around 1900. The work depicts a nude woman in a relaxed, seated pose with lowered arms.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a nude woman with legs crossed and arms at her sides, conveys quiet contemplation. Subtle shading and the play of light and shadow emphasize her form, inviting the viewer to focus on her introspective state.

Technique & Style

Forain employed soft, gentle lines and nuanced shading in this lithograph, characteristic of his Impressionist approach. The use of light and shadow adds warmth and intimacy, typical of the movement's emphasis on capturing everyday moments and natural light effects.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1900, this work reflects Forain's proficiency across various mediums, including lithography. Despite his contemporary success, Forain's recognition has waned compared to some Impressionist peers.

Etude de femme nue, les mains croisées au-dessous de la tête (Study of a Nude Woman, Her Hands Crossed behind Her Head)
Etude de femme nue, les mains croisées au-dessous de la tête (Study of a Nude Woman, Her Hands Crossed behind Her Head), Jean-Louis Forain

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean-Louis Forain

Artist

Jean-Louis Forain

Jean-Louis Forain (French pronunciation:; 23 October 1852 – 11 July 1931) was a French Impressionist painter and printmaker, working in media including oils, watercolour, pastel, etching and lithograph.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Etude de femme nue, les bras abaissés (Study of a Nude Woman, with Lowered Arms)?

Etude de femme nue, les bras abaissés (Study of a Nude Woman, with Lowered Arms) was painted by Jean-Louis Forain in 1900.

Where can I see Etude de femme nue, les bras abaissés (Study of a Nude Woman, with Lowered Arms)?

Etude de femme nue, les bras abaissés (Study of a Nude Woman, with Lowered Arms) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Etude de femme nue, les bras abaissés (Study of a Nude Woman, with Lowered Arms)?

Etude de femme nue, les bras abaissés (Study of a Nude Woman, with Lowered Arms) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Etude de femme nue, les bras abaissés (Study of a Nude Woman, with Lowered Arms)?

Museum-quality prints of Etude de femme nue, les bras abaissés (Study of a Nude Woman, with Lowered Arms) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.