Seated Nude c. 1879

Frank Duveneck made this painting with oil on canvas at the turn of the century. The visible brushstrokes, thick with paint, give this nude an unfinished, almost sculpted quality. Observe the range of color and depth that he achieves using what appears to be a limited palette of earthy tones. The brown background is roughly applied, but the sitter’s skin is modeled with deft touches of pink and white, conveying the soft texture of flesh. This direct approach to painting, popularized in the 19th century, was a democratic gesture, breaking away from academic convention. The emphasis was placed less on an elaborate, polished surface, and more on the individual expression of the artist. By focusing on the immediacy of the painting process, Duveneck invites us to appreciate the artist’s labor. Ultimately, appreciating the materiality and the making process is key to understanding the full scope of Duveneck's work.