Reclining Figure (Nu Allongé)
Work on paper, likely a drawing or fine art print • Attributed to Jean Lehane (as per signature reading 'J. Lehane')
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Post-War Figurative Abstraction
Medium & Technique
Ink or charcoal on fibrous handmade paper (likely Japanese Washi or rice paper)
Creation Period
1952 (as dated per signature)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (estimated); Landscape format
Subject Description
A minimalist figurative composition focusing on the fluid, undulating lines of the human form. The focus is on the curvature of the hip and leg, rendered with a single, continuous, lyrical line characteristic of linear modernism.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible aging to the specialized paper and slight undulation
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600
Provenance History
Part of a private estate; historical indicators suggest mid-20th-century acquisition
Art Historical Significance
This work reflects the mid-20th-century preoccupation with the 'essential line,' a style popularized by icons like Matisse and Picasso. It demonstrates how regional and studio artists adopted minimalist aesthetics to explore the female form during the 1950s.
Notable Features
Clear signature and date '1952' in the lower-right quadrant; distinctive use of high-texture fibrous paper which adds a tactile dimension to the minimalist drawing.
Condition Issues
Mild yellowing consistent with age; slight paper waving due to tension in mounting; potential light-induced fading of the ink.
Conservation Recommendations
Check for acid-free matting; ensure UV-protective glazing is used; keep away from direct sunlight to prevent paper embrittlement.
Collector Notes
Given to us as part of an estate