Nu (1911) Nikolay Feshin (1881-1955)

The painting depicts a nude woman in a seated position, her body angled to the right. She has dark hair that is braided and falls over her left shoulder. Her head is bowed, and her gaze is directed downwards towards her hands. Her arms are bent, and her hands are engaged with a golden, rope-like object. The womans skin tone is rendered in warm, earthy hues, with visible brushstrokes that give the surface a textured, almost sculptural quality.
The background is abstract and appears to be a composition of dark, rich colors juxtaposed with lighter, more fragmented tones, suggesting fabric or a loosely rendered setting. There are hints of reds and yellows that add vibrancy. The entire scene rests on a base of white, likely representing bedding or a draped cloth, which provides a stark contrast to the darker background and the figures flesh. The thick application of paint, especially in the white areas, adds to the tactile impression of the artwork.
The subtexts in this painting can be interpreted in several ways. The title, Nu (Nude), directly points to the subject matter, but the artists approach invites deeper consideration. The womans introspective posture and the activity of her hands can suggest themes of self-contemplation, introspection, or even entanglement. The golden object she is handling could symbolize various concepts – perhaps vanity, desire, or a burden she is trying to manage. The contrast between the seemingly delicate nature of the nude form and the rough, expressive brushwork might explore the tension between vulnerability and strength, or the raw, unrefined aspect of human existence. The overall mood is one of quiet intensity, focusing on the private moments and inner world of the subject.