Charles Kvapil

The Bather

1934

'Reclining Nude', oil on canvas, by Guillaume Dulac (circa 1920s). A sensuous portrayal by the artist of a young woman reclining on a divan draped with cloth. Inspired perhaps from Ingres' (1780-1867) classic, La Grande Odalisque...

'Nude Posing on the Sofa', oil on canvas, by Louis Latapie (circa 1940s). From a long line of renowned paintings whose subject is reclining nudes, this ext...

'Nude Viewed from the Back', oil on canvas, by Charles Kvapil (1937). The world of art has for centuries depicted nudes in one form or another. Kvapil's wonderfully alluring versions may likely be inspired by Courbet and Cézanne. This nude appears on a chair with her back to the artist and viewer. There are plush reds, sensuous pinks and darker, patterned curtains...

A series of four paintings - acrylic on stretched canvas - unframed, by Canadian artist Damien Smith (born 1969). This unique series depicts four characters in a New York City erotic gay bar...

‘Zulu Dancers’ Signed bottom right Hardman, titled on a sticker at the reverse and with address Walton End, Walton Lane, Bosham, Chichester, and Price 45 gns. Oil on board, 99 x 87...

"Nude in Venice" - original large art by Paula Craioveanu Original, large, unique painting, oil on canvas, 55x40in / 140x102cm. Shipped rolled in a tube. Check 1stDibs code FREESHIP...

"The Tower" - original large art by Paula Craioveanu Original, large, unique painting, oil on canvas, 31.5x23.6in / 80x60cm. Shipped stretched, from Florida. Check 1stDibs code FREESHIP This painting, a study of an elaborate spiral staircase, demonstrates the artist’s skill in merging architectural elegance with a dynamic sense of movement and mystery. The subject itself—a wrought iron spiral staircase—becomes more than a functional object; it transforms into a metaphor for transcendence, curiosity, and the infinite. The staircase is richly ornate, with swirling ironwork patterns and intricate details that capture the eye. The artist emphasizes the craftsmanship, elevating the staircase into a work of art itself. The ornamental designs echo Baroque or Rococo influences, known for their flamboyance and decorative excess. The spiral is inherently dynamic, drawing the viewer’s gaze upward in a continuous loop. This quality imbues the staircase with motion and energy, almost as if it is alive, spiraling into another dimension. The artist employs a dramatic perspective, positioning the viewer at the base of the staircase, looking upward. This composition evokes a sense of aspiration or awe, as if the staircase ascends to an unknown destination. The light filtering through the structure accentuates the curvature and creates a contrast between the solid metal of the staircase and the soft, ephemeral glow of the environment. This interplay of light and shadow enhances the mood, making the staircase seem both tangible and ethereal. The cool metallic grays and silvers of the staircase reflect its materiality, suggesting durability and permanence. At the same time, the reflective surfaces give it a shimmering, almost celestial quality. The background is suffused with warm, earthy tones—yellows, browns, and muted greens—that contrast with the cold metal of the staircase. This contrast creates a sense of tension between the man-made structure and the organic or natural environment surrounding it. Symbolism. Spiral staircases are often symbolic of a journey, both physical and spiritual. They represent the process of ascent, growth, and transformation. This staircase seems to lead into a vortex of light, suggesting a path to enlightenment or transcendence. The spiral is a recurring motif in art and nature, often representing infinity, cycles, and continuity. The staircase's design hints at a journey without end, encouraging reflection on the passage of time and the eternal nature of life. The destination of the staircase is deliberately obscured, leaving the viewer to wonder where it leads. This creates a sense of mystery, drawing the viewer into an imaginative exploration of the unknown. The swirling patterns in the ironwork mirror the overall spiral shape of the staircase, creating a sense of harmony and cohesion. These designs also add a decorative richness to the piece, tying it to the tradition of Romanticism or Gothic Revival, where even utilitarian objects were imbued with beauty and meaning. The background is loosely rendered, with soft, swirling brushstrokes that echo the spiral of the staircase. This abstraction contrasts with the detailed depiction of the staircase, making the environment feel less defined and more dreamlike. The staircase appears to float in a liminal space, further emphasizing its symbolic and otherworldly qualities. The viewer’s vantage point and the sheer scale of the staircase evoke a feeling of awe. It could symbolize humanity’s ambitions to reach higher realms—intellectually, spiritually, or artistically. The absence of people in the painting draws attention to the object itself, suggesting introspection or solitude. The staircase might represent a solitary journey, one that each individual must take alone. The intricate design and upward motion of the staircase, combined with the lack of a specific time or place, imbue the piece with a sense of timelessness. It could exist in any era, representing universal human themes. In comparison to the artist’s other works, this painting shifts focus from mythological and figurative themes to an architectural subject. Yet, it retains the artist’s characteristic use of ornamentation, bold perspectives, and symbolic depth. Like the Minotaur or Zeus paintings...

Shana Wilson (Canadian, born 1966) "Woman with Brown Hair" 2016 Oil Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the top left of the painting. About the Artist: Shana Wilson, bor...