Colourful, large oil on canvas female nude by Isabelle Pardoe. The painting is not signed but came directly from the atelier of the artist.

Isabell Pardoe trained at the Slade school of Art in London and later settled in the south of France where she continued her artistic career.

The pose of this reclining woman evokes the Sleeping Venus by the Italian Renaissance painter Giorgione at the beginning of the sixteenth century. The patriarchal tradition of painting considers the female body as an object of desire.

This strong and impactful painting portrays a reclining female nude figure, exuding tranquillity and vulnerability. The figure, rendered in soft, muted tones, rests on a bold turquoise surface, contrasting with the stark red and blue verticals in the background. The use of light and shadow accentuates the graceful curves of the body, highlighting the artist's skill in capturing form and depth. The composition is both intimate and expansive, with the figure's relaxed pose inviting contemplation. Notably, the interplay of colours, from the warm skin tones to the cool surrounding hues, creates a harmonious balance. The artwork’s unique blend of realism and abstraction invites viewers to explore the subtle emotional nuances it conveys.