Reclining Male Nude Seen from Behind

Reclining Male Nude Seen from Behind

John Singer Sargent

1902

unspecified

From the collection of Harvard Art Museums

About this work

This painting shows a man lying on his stomach, facing away from the viewer. His body is relaxed, with his head turned to the right and his left arm bent at the elbow. The artist has used bold, expressive brushstrokes to capture the contours of the man's back and shoulders. The painting's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's eye to the man's torso. The artist's skillful use of light and shadow adds a sense of drama to the composition. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, check out the technique.

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