Seated Nude

A pioneering and visionary sculptor known for his unique blend of modernism and folk art, Elie Nadelman (1882-1946) was originally born in Poland, and later settled in New York. His sculptures represent explorations on the themes of humanity and nature, captured in his preferred, natural mediums of wood and marble. Bridging traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics, Nadelman’s singular examination of the human form stands as one of the most distinctive of the early 20th century.

When this work was conceived, between the years of 1910 and 1915, Nadelman was beginning to establish his unique voice between Paris and New York. His interest in folk art evolved in those years, leading him to explore and incorporate elements of diverse cultures into his visual vocabulary. These are also the years in which the artist started to gain public recognition, with various exhibitions solidifying his reputation.

His employment of the medium of wood is one that has profound meaning to the artist. Often choosing native woods, his sculptures - such as the present one - are enhanced by the natural texture of the medium. The smooth surfaces evoke a sense of fluidity and delicateness, inviting the viewer to engage with their materiality.

The present sculpture represents one of the finest examples of Nadelman’s refined and sophisticated style, stemming from different sources. Gently looking downwards over her shoulder, the sitter seems just about to cover herself, in a vain attempt to disguise her sinuous forms.

The bent left leg of her pose vaguely calls to mind the classical one of the Spinario, a Greco-Roman bronze whose posture (removing a thorn from one’s foot) has been adopted, among others, by artists of the calibre of Michelangelo. Nadelman himself explored this theme several times, rendering the pose in different mediums.
Ultimately, Nadelman’s oeuvre offers a profound and unique exploration of form, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. His ability to evoke emotion through elegant shapes, such as the ones rendered in this work, encourages viewers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of both the human experience and the natural world.