Have you ever been struck by the sensitivity of classical nude paintings, or amazed by Rubens' erotic nude sculptures? Have you seen a surrealist nude or a nude image from the Abstract school of Expressionism? It is amazing to discover that creative artists have not always depicted the body in the same way! It is also important to recognize that nude painting is not necessarily synonymous with erotic art.

The nude representation often associated with modern art is quite different from the images we often associate with classical, neoclassical or even erotic artwork. Earlier concern for life-like bodies is replaced in modern artwork with an emphasis on mood. So, for example, Gustav Klimt's paintings are beautiful, intense images, sometimes erotic, framed by patchwork quilts of creative color. The expressionism of Egon Schiele's paintings are often extremely dark and disturbing images of human sexuality and nudity, very different from his haunting land and cityscapes. Paul Gauguin recounts his time in Tahiti with depictions of indigenous Tahitians that are often very gentle. The nude artwork of Picasso and Duchamp, on the other hand, are often fragmentary or distorted.

The body is an endless source of fascination. Modern art, like art deco, turns to less naturalistic representations in keeping with a set of social assumptions or creative artistic intentions. The soft, unselfconscious lines of Gauguin's images, for example, are a beautiful reminder of the qualities he saw in Tahiti's inhabitants. The way modern art styles depict the body are an endless source of reflection.

The modern nude image is just one of many contemporary genres featured in our online gallery. Explore our collection widely and consider as well great artworks like Asian art, Art deco, Abstract Expressionism, and Surrealist art. From the sleek lines of Asian and Art deco, to the wild images of Abstract Expressionism and surrealist art, you will discover everything the art world has to offer. You could even trace representations of the nude image through the various movements, from Asian art to Art deco, Abstract Expressionism and surrealist art. Or across countries, from Asian regions to North America. Everything is possible online!

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About The Author:

Barbara Swanson is a successful author and a distinguished freelance writer who specializes in art, music, education and international issues.