Nude on a Blue Cushion

Nude on a Blue Cushion by Amedeo Modigliani is a powerful oil on linen painting created in 1917. This work belongs to the artist's definitive series of reclining female figures, which cemented his legacy as a central figure in modern figurative art. Modigliani presents the subject with remarkable directness, her body stretched diagonally across the composition and resting upon the richly toned blue cushion that gives the painting its title.

Executed with controlled, expressive lines and broad planes of color, the painting demonstrates Modigliani's signature aesthetic, which synthesizes influences ranging from African sculpture to late Renaissance portraiture. The figure’s elongation, especially noticeable in the neck and torso, transforms the traditional nude into a stylized, almost sculptural form. Unlike academic nudes, the background here is deliberately flattened and simplified, minimizing spatial depth and forcing the viewer's focus directly onto the contours and curves of the subject.

This work exemplifies the artistic ferment of the 1901 to 1925 period, when Italian artists, though often working in cosmopolitan centers like Paris, redefined classical subjects through modern lenses. Modigliani created his most recognized nudes during this time, often provoking controversy for their candid sensuality and the unwavering gaze of the models. These compositions were foundational in bridging 19th-century traditions with the demands of the 20th-century avant-garde. Modigliani’s delicate handling of tone ensures the subject retains a warm, human quality despite the strong abstraction of her form. The painting is a mature example of the artist's style, completed just three years before his untimely death. This important canvas resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to the historical age of the work, high-quality prints and references are often made available through public domain initiatives, promoting further appreciation of Modigliani's genius.