Female Nude Seen from Behind
Original title: Female Nude Seen from Behind
kurzbeschreibung
This flat relief in honestone shows a female figure seen from behind, leaning against a pedestal. It is attributed to Albrecht Dürer, though its creation is placed in the early 17th century. The dimensions are 15.2 × 6.7 cm.
Description
The naked woman stands upright, her face turned slightly to the right. Her hair is gathered into a knot and bound with a ribbon. In her right hand she holds a cloth that reaches the ground; her left hand rests on a tall pedestal engraved with the year 1509 and a monogram. Warm earth tones from light beige to brown dominate the relief, with soft shadows falling from a light source at the upper left. The figure occupies the left half of the image, the pedestal stands on the right, and the vertical arrangement is framed by a pointed arch.
Context
The relief is attributed to Albrecht Dürer, but the dating to the early 17th century suggests a later origin or a copy. Dürer produced numerous nude studies inspired by ancient models. The technique of relief in honestone, a soft stone, was common in the Renaissance. The work may have served as a collector's item or a study for artists.
Impact
The rear view emphasizes the elegant lines of the female body and creates a calm, contemplative mood. The warm coloration and soft modeling give the relief a sensual presence that invites the viewer to look closely.
Technique
The work is executed as a flat relief (bas-relief) in Honestone, a soft, beige stone. The surface is smooth and polished, with fine modeling of the musculature, while the frame edge shows traces of working. The date and the monogram are engraved into the stone.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)