Bernard Carolan, Portrait of a Seated Nude
Bernard Carolan (1912-1981) – Portrait of a Seated Nude
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: Approx. 29 1/4" x 19 1/4"
Condition Report: Overall good.
Description:
A captivating vertical portrait of a seated female nude, executed in an impressionist style that prioritizes mood and light over strict anatomical precision. The model’s luminous skin tone is enriched with warm orange highlights and cool blue shadows, reflecting the impressionist technique of avoiding stark black contrasts. Her striking orange hair stands in bold contrast against the softly rendered blue background, which serves as a chromatic backdrop rather than a defined spatial setting.
The verso features an additional painted scene depicting an event in a grand hall, with seated figures and waiters attending to guests, adding an intriguing layer of artistic depth to the work.