Nu assis (Seated Nude)
Painting on canvas • Henri Manguin (French, 1874–1949)
Style & Movement
Fauvism / Post-Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas featuring expressive brushwork, bold contours, and a vibrant Fauvist palette with emphasis on decorative patterns.
Creation Period
Circa 1905–1910
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 65 x 54 cm; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
The painting depicts a seated female nude in an interior setting, likely the artist's studio or home. The figure is positioned against patterned textiles—a common Fauvist motif—demonstrating a juxtaposition of organic flesh tones against a frantic backdrop of yellow, blue, and floral prints. The composition focuses on the intimacy and the sculptural quality of the body within a decorative space.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the paint film appears stable with localized craquelure typical of the period.
Estimated Market Value
$150,000 – $250,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$120,000 – $180,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a French private collection or a gallery specializing in Fauvism. Manguin's works often passed through Galerie Druet or Vollard. Signature visible at the lower right.
Art Historical Significance
Henri Manguin was one of the founding members of the Fauve movement. This work is significant for its display of 'wild' color and its dialogue with contemporaneous works by Matisse and Marquet. It illustrates the transition from academic realism to modernism through the liberation of color.
Notable Features
Distinctive signature at lower right 'Manguin'. The use of high-chroma textiles creates a flattened pictorial space that is a hallmark of the Fauvist aesthetic.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dirt, slight yellowing of varnish, and faint stretcher bar marks. Possible minor retouching in the skin tones to address age-related wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning and a light varnish refresh are suggested. Display in a climate-controlled environment with UV-protective glazing and archival framing.