The artwork “Sleeping Nude,” created by the esteemed artist Zinaida Serebriakova in 1932, is a notable example of the Art Deco movement. The genre of this artwork is classified as a nude painting (nu), which beautifully encapsulates the artist’s mastery in portraying the human form with elegance and sensitivity.
In the artwork, a serene scene is depicted with a woman lying on her side, seemingly in a peaceful sleep. The model is presented in a natural, relaxed pose, with her left hand resting gently on her leg while her right arm is positioned behind her head. Her body is partially draped with a soft, white fabric that accentuates her curves and the delicacy of her form. The artist’s adept use of light and shadow brings out the soft contours of the figure, highlighting the grace and calmness of the subject. The background is understated, ensuring that the viewer’s focus remains on the tranquil expression and natural beauty of the sleeping woman. This piece exudes a quiet elegance, characteristic of both the Art Deco movement and Serebriakova’s celebrated oeuvre.
