Nude female figure lying on a flowered couch

Nude on a Couch, c. 1880

Oil on canvasexpand_more

The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more  67.67

This picture belongs with a group of studies of male and female nudes painted by Caillebotte about 1880. It is unique, however, for the uncompromising realism of its anatomical observation and for its apparent sexual innuendo. The model would eventually become Caillebotte's mistress.The artist has challenged the prevalent standards of taste and morality, which accepted in paintings only the academic tradition of idealized nudes. Because of its effrontery, this picture was neither exhibited nor sold during Caillebotte's lifetime.

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Gustave Caillebotte, Nude on a Couch (#730)
Details
Title
Nude on a Couch
Artist Life
1848 - 1894
Role
Artist
Accession Number
67.67
Provenance
Estate of the artist (until 1967, sold to Lorenceau); [Galerie Lorenceau, Paris, 1967; sold to Hahn]; [Stephen Hahn, New York, 1967; sold, December 18, for $28,800, to Mia]
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Nude female figure lying on a flowered couch