Femme Couchee 1902

Théophile Alexandre Steinlen made this watercolor, Femme Couchee, at an unknown date. It looks like Steinlen worked quickly, with thin washes of diluted paint that stain the paper almost like a dye, creating a gentle, sun-kissed nude. I can imagine him feeling the pressure to capture the fleeting moment, maybe even working directly from life, trying to express his vision as directly and spontaneously as possible. He lays down a subtle haze, blending and blurring the contours of her body to soften the image and make it luminous. It's a very sensual, intimate depiction. The palette is minimal, almost monochromatic. The artist has found a perfect balance in the composition to capture her gesture. Like many painters, Steinlen is in conversation with other artists across time. Each one inspiring the other's creativity. There is no single interpretation to be had. The painting is ambiguous, open to multiple readings and meaning.