Nude with Red Hair

Before you stands "Nude with Red Hair," a captivating 1920 painting by George Bellows. This remarkable work, part of the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, measures 0.865 meters wide and 1.109 meters high. The painting depicts a seated nude woman, her vibrant red hair a striking focal point. Her hair, styled with bangs, cascades around her shoulders and down her back, a rich contrast to the dark, possibly velvet, robe or shawl draped over her lower body. Delicate gold jewelry—a necklace and bracelet—add subtle touches of elegance. Bellows masterfully renders her skin in warm tones, ranging from pale yellows and oranges where light touches her to deeper shadows in the folds of her form. The background is a deep, mysterious expanse of blues, purples, and hints of darker greens, suggesting drapery or upholstery, which serves to further highlight the figure. Her pose is relaxed yet self-assured, her gaze subtly averted from the viewer, creating a sense of quiet intimacy. Notice the artist's use of impasto—the thick application of paint—particularly noticeable in the rendering of the hair and drapery, adding texture and depth to the piece. The overall effect is one of sensual beauty and quiet contemplation.