Executed c. 1910, Femme Nue Couchée signals an auditioning of proto-Cubist principles and, seemingly, the artist’s indebtedness to his classical education. (From 1903-08, he studied at the Académie Julian and École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.) Embracing geometric abstraction and fragmented forms, La Fresnaye depicts the female form with a lively interplay of angles and curves. Employing broad planes of color, an earthy palette, and a careful treatment of light, shade, and space, the composition strikes a balance between analytical Cubist deconstruction and sensual, figurative elegance. Painting, according to La Fresnaye, was “becoming significantly more abstract.” In the present work and others, “imitations of nature are giving way to deliberate and reasoned studies.”

La Fresnaye’s Munich sojourn marks a critical and transitional phase in his artistic development–one in which he contributed to the evolving dialogue within the Cubist movement, while offering a unique perspective on the relationship between traditional themes and avant-garde expression.

Condition: The relined canvas in overall good condition, with a shiny finish most likely due to an excess of varnish. Slight craquelure visible in the upper right quadrant, as well as at upper center left, in the background. Some of the cracks are textured, and wide but they are overall stable. Examination under UV light indeed reveals a heavy layer of greenish varnish throughout the work. Small areas of restoration at upper center right and in the upper right quadrant (locally, in the background), as well as at center right, in between the model's leg. We also notice small repairs at bottom center (near the bottom outer edge, touching the model's finger tips). Small retouching on the model's right ribs and part of her stomach (very small). Minor dots of inpainting in the bottom left corner too. The face is intact. See Specialist's pictures for more details.