Reclining Nude

The Reclining Nude is a captivating print created in 1906 by the celebrated French Impressionist Pierre Auguste Renoir French, 1841-1919. This delicate study exemplifies Renoir’s late career fascination with the female form, rendered here through the demanding intaglio technique of etching. The work is executed in a rich red-brown ink, often referred to as sanguine, applied to a fine sheet of cream Japanese paper. This choice of materials lends the resulting print a soft, warm tonality, enhancing the sensual yet placid nature of the subject.

By 1906, Renoir had moved away from the more ephemeral subjects of early Impressionism, dedicating himself almost exclusively to the nude. This composition, depicting a relaxed figure derived from the artist’s favored muses, reflects the continuing prominence of the idealized human figure in early 20th-century France. While renowned primarily for his oils, this particular etching demonstrates Renoir’s skillful handling of the printmaking medium, translating his signature soft contours and luminous qualities into linear form.

Classified as a fine example of graphic art, this print shows the characteristic sensitivity of Renoir’s late style. The original impression is preserved within the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a masterwork from the early 1900s, this French print is often made available to researchers and the public, contributing significantly to the catalog of works that are frequently found in public domain collections globally.