Renoir, Reclining Nude

This is one of a series of three paintings depicting a woman reclining against cushions, counted among the most beautiful and sensuous masterpieces of Renoir's late nudes.

Painted in the classic tradition of European nude painting, it bears the marks of the old masters Renoir turned to after being deeply moved by classical art during his 1881 trip to Italy. The rich coloring draws on Titian, while the fullness of the female form reflects the influence of Rubens, both reworked into Renoir's own style.

The model was Gabrielle, a cousin of Renoir's wife who lived with the family for fifteen years, caring for the children like one of their own. Beyond child-rearing, she also served the household as a model and studio assistant.