Seated Female Nude 1940

"Seated Female Nude" is a painting created in 1940 by African American artist William H. Johnson (1901-1970). The artwork depicts a nude woman seated with her knees bent and her arms resting on the ground, her face shown in profile with closed eyes. The simplified, bold lines and flat areas of color characteristic of Johnson's work are particularly evident in this painting, highlighting the subject's form against a background of green and blue. Johnson, known for his vibrant use of color and exploration of Black identity, often drew inspiration from folk art and African aesthetics, creating an expressive style that resonated with the Harlem Renaissance.