The artwork, titled “Nude with a Candle. France,” was created in 1934 by the artist Zinaida Serebriakova. This piece is part of the Art Deco movement and belongs to the genre of nude painting (nu).
The artwork depicts a poised and serene nude figure reaching towards a lit candle on a minimalist setting, reflecting the elegance and sophistication characteristic of Art Deco. The tonal quality is soft, with well-balanced shades that heighten the form and contours of the human body. The use of pastels creates an ethereal atmosphere, imbuing the scene with a quiet intimacy and reflective mood. The backdrop, rendered with loose strokes of darker hues, highlights the subject, bringing a sense of warmth and subtle mystique to the composition. This nuanced interplay of light and shadow showcases Serebriakova’s mastery in capturing the delicate beauty of the human form.