“Female Nude with Red Hair Seated on Pillows,” created by William H. Johnson in 1940, belongs to the art movements of Expressionism and Naïve Art (Primitivism). This piece, categorized under the genre of nude painting, depicts a female figure with red hair seated on an array of pillows.
The artwork showcases a stylized and somewhat abstract representation of a nude woman, characterized by simplified forms and bold outlines typical of Naïve Art. The woman is depicted with red hair, which contrasts vividly against the blue and multicolored background. Her pose is contemplative, with one arm resting on her bent knee and the other extended downward, touching a pillow beneath her. The figure’s body is rendered in flat areas of color with minimal shading, emphasizing the artist’s expressionistic approach. The composition’s background features blocks of color, primarily blue with an adjoining yellowish-brown section, creating a vibrant yet harmonious setting that complements the central figure. The overall effect is one of raw, emotive simplicity, demonstrating Johnson’s unique blend of Expressionist and Primitivist techniques.
