Seated Nude 1950

Milton Avery's "Seated Nude" from 1950 is a charcoal drawing on paper that exemplifies Avery's signature style of simplified forms and bold lines. The figure is rendered in a striking black against a light blue background, creating a powerful contrast. Avery's use of flat planes and simplified anatomy evoke a sense of both intimacy and monumentality in this striking and iconic work. The piece was likely created as a study for a larger painting, as Avery often used drawings to explore composition and form before moving on to his canvases. This work is a prime example of Avery's mature style, which was deeply influenced by early 20th-century modernists such as Matisse.