Nude study of a woman (standing figure)
Sculpture, figurative stand-alone piece • Modern British or European School; style is reminiscent of contemporary figurative sculptors such as Nicola Hicks or Elizabeth Frink, but likely by a highly skilled regional contemporary artist following the Expressionist tradition
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative Expressionism; Neo-Expressionism
Medium & Technique
Cast bronze with a dark brown and greenish-black patina; lost-wax casting (cire perdue) process, featuring a gestural, tactile surface with visible hand-modeling marks in the original clay or wax
Creation Period
Late 20th Century to early 21st Century (circa 1980–2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 to 24 inches (45–60 cm) in height; vertical orientation on an integral irregular trapezoidal bronze base
Subject Description
An elongated, slightly emaciated female nude in a dynamic, contrapposto-like stance. The figure conveys a sense of vulnerability through its bowed head and inward-turning shoulders, while the rough, skin-like texture emphasizes materiality and the visceral quality of the human form
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the patina appears stable with intentional variegated highlights. Surface shows minor dust accumulation in recessed areas
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 – $4,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,500 – $3,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a private gallery or directly from the artist's studio; no visible foundry marks or signatures are apparent in the provided image
Art Historical Significance
The work represents the late 20th-century resurgence of figurative sculpture that rejects idealized beauty in favor of psychological truth and raw texture. It aligns with the post-war European tradition of interpreting the human condition through tactile, almost skeletal forms
Notable Features
Distinctive 'finger-modeled' surface texture that creates a play of light and shadow; an unusually heavy and integrated base that matches the figure's patina; the downward gaze and internal pose create a powerful psychological presence
Condition Issues
Minor superficial oxidization consistent with age; light surface scuffing on the base edges; no structural cracks or casting flaws observed
Conservation Recommendations
Light dusting with a soft natural-hair brush; application of a microcrystalline wax (e.g., Renaissance Wax) every few years to protect the patina from humidity and oils; avoid high-traffic areas where it may be frequently touched