Female Nude, n. d.

Studying the human figure is central to the work of Georg Merkel (1881–1976). During several stays in Paris, he came in contact with the art of French Classicism and with the formal innovations introduced by Paul Cézanne (1939–1906). A proven asset of Arcadian landscapes and idyllic group pictures, the female nude in particular becomes the central motif to flesh out, as it were, formal interests. In this color lithograph, Merkel brings about a synthesis of sculptural-neoclassicist form and color effect. Delicate and tender color field sculpt the soft body, which stands out against the few stark lines that define the folds of the bath towel. The reduced color and form vocabulary accentuates the grace and beauty of the female body depicted, giving it a certain timeless aesthetic.

AK, 2021