“The Beginning of the End,” created by Eric Fischl in 1988, is an exemplar of the Contemporary Realism art movement. This artwork, belonging to the genre of nude painting (nu), illustrates Fischl’s notable talent in depicting the human figure and exploring the complexities of human emotion and interaction.
The artwork features a juxtaposition of bodies bathed in warm light, set against an expansive, evocative background. In the composition, a nude female figure stands prominently in the center, facing away from the viewer. Her stance is confident and reflective, while a smaller figure is situated between her legs, creating an intriguing visual interplay. In the foreground, a reclining male figure, whose facial features are partially in shadow, adds a sense of contemplative stillness to the scene. The backdrop of the painting portrays a dramatic, nearly surreal sky, tinged with shades of orange and pink, above a serene, dark-hued body of water. This contrast enhances the narrative quality and emotional depth of Fischl’s work, inviting viewers to ponder the layered meanings and relationships depicted.
