Artwork

Female Nude Bending to the Left

Female Nude Bending to the Left, by Egon Schiele, chalk, 1918
Female Nude Bending to the Left, by Egon Schiele, chalk, 1918

Female Nude Bending to the Left is a chalk drawing by Egon Schiele. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:in image, at bottom center: EGON / SCHIELE / 1918

About this work

Overview

Female Nude Bending to the Left is a 1918 drawing by Egon Schiele, executed in chalk on buff wove paper. It exemplifies his work from this period, characterized by expressive and fluid lines.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a nude woman lying on her side, her body curved as she bends to the left. Her pose is relaxed, with her head resting on her hand and legs tucked up, conveying a sense of intimacy and informality.

Technique & Style

Schiele's use of loose, quick chalk strokes emphasizes the figure's contours, while subtle shading adds depth. The plain tan paper serves as a neutral background, allowing the figure to take center stage. The overall effect is one of softness and spontaneity.

Seated Female Nude Leaning to the Left
Seated Female Nude Leaning to the Left, Auguste Rodin

Artist & collection

Portrait of Egon Schiele

Artist

Egon Schiele

Egon Leo Adolf Ludwig Schiele was an Austrian Expressionist painter. His work is noted for its intensity and its raw sexuality, and for the many self-portraits the artist produced, including nude self-portraits. The…

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 Female Nude Bending to the Left?

Female Nude Bending to the Left was painted by Egon Schiele in 1918.

Where can I see Female Nude Bending to the Left?

Female Nude Bending to the Left is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of Female Nude Bending to the Left?

Museum-quality prints of Female Nude Bending to the Left are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.