Reclining Nude (Gabrielle)
1903
oil
From the collection of Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
1903
oil
From the collection of Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
This painting shows a nude woman reclining on a couch. She is lying on her left side, with her head resting on her left arm and her right arm bent at the elbow. Her body is relaxed, with her legs slightly bent and her feet tucked under her. The woman's skin is depicted in warm, golden tones, and her hair is dark and curly. The background of the painting is a muted green, with a few hints of blue and yellow. The overall effect is one of serenity and tranquility. The painting is a beautiful example of Renoir's skill with color and composition. To learn more about the artist's use of color and light, look up the technique of chiaroscuro.