Reclining Nude
Sculpture • Modern European or American School; possibly from the circle of contemporary figurative sculptors such as those following the tradition of Henry Moore or Giacomo Manzù.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative Realism with Modernist influence
Medium & Technique
Plaster, potentially cast from a clay original; featuring subtractive carving for details and hand-modeling for form.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century to Early 21st Century (c. 1980–2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20-24 inches in length; horizontal landscape format
Subject Description
A reclining female figure in a state of repose or sleep, resting on an undulating, stylized base that suggests a mattress or drapery. The composition is horizontally oriented, conveying tranquility and intimacy, with one arm tucked under the head and legs softly bent.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; surface appears stable but shows typical minor abrasions and material pits associated with plaster.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500
Auction Estimate
$500 - $1,000
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a private studio sale or a local art gallery given its non-indexed nature.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the enduring legacy of the reclining female nude in Western art, updated with a mid-to-late 20th-century aesthetic that balances anatomical accuracy with soft, expressive planes.
Notable Features
The contrast between the smooth, modeled skin of the figure and the more brutalist, roughly finished organic base; the delicate rendering of the facial features in a state of rest.
Condition Issues
Visible surface porosity, minor scuffs on the white finish, and small chips possible at the base edges; slight discoloration due to dust accumulation in recessed areas.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle dry cleaning with a soft brush; avoid liquid solvents which may soften or stain the porous plaster. Keep in a climate-controlled environment away from high humidity.