Reclining figure 

Albert Bloch, an American expressionist painter, created this Reclining Figure, using oil on board, though the date is unknown. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, to a family of Jewish immigrants, Bloch's identity as a Jewish artist in the early 20th century likely shaped his artistic vision. The figure's stark whiteness against a backdrop of fiery red and somber black evokes themes of isolation, alienation, and perhaps even purification or judgment. The androgynous form allows for a more universal interpretation, seemingly unburdened by conventional gender expectations, yet the posture invites contemplation. The reclining pose, historically associated with leisure and sensuality, is subverted here, and feels melancholic, reflecting a deeper psychological exploration. Bloch’s work encourages us to consider the personal and collective anxieties of his time, anxieties still resonant today.