The artwork “Nu Couché (Reclining Figure)” by the artist Jean Metzinger, created in 1946, belongs to the Cubism movement and falls under the genre of nude painting (nu).
The artwork depicts a reclining nude figure with angular and fragmented forms, characteristic of the Cubism style. The figure is shown lying on a bed adorned with vibrant cushions and draped fabrics, rendered in bold and contrasting colors such as green, purple, yellow, and black. The abstraction in the portrayal of the figure emphasizes geometric shapes and interlocking planes, creating a visual complexity that invites deeper interpretation. The artwork reflects the artist’s interest in exploring the human form through the lens of Cubist aesthetics, transforming the traditional nude into a modernist abstraction. A vase with stylized flowers and the word “Elle” can be seen beside the figure, adding to the composition’s intrigue and depth.
