Reclining Nude (c. late 1890’s / early 1900’s)

This simple and beautiful reclining nude by Norman Lindsay displays the skill that he acquired when capturing the sensual nature of the female form. Norman Lindsay is famous for his mastery of drawing, chiefly because he was a perfectionist and practised constantly, drawing female figures for every major painting in every conceivable position. As a child he was often unwell and so he learnt to remain still and quiet, giving him plenty of time to draw. This delicate nude, was most likely drawn very early in Norman’s artistic career, probably in the late 1890’s or early 1900’s. As Norman’s career progressed, single figure nudes came to constitute an important part of his work and the bulk of them were produced at his Bridge Street studio in Sydney from the 1930’s. Lindsay’s single figure nudes displayed his love of Classic expression.  After World War I Norman’s style moved away from specifically Australian subject matter and themes as he championed the cause for an Australian Renaissance of the classical tradition. He was a dedicated artist with highly disciplined working habits that continued all his working life. Norman’s brother, Lionel Lindsay, also a reputable artist and critic, wrote of Norman’s obsession for his work: “Norman was lucky in possessing a sedentary temperament and a fixed purpose in life.  Though he joined in any fun of the moment with gusto, he went back to his worktable with relief. He worked slowly and often late into the night.  How I envied him his steady persistence…”.