In this contemporary black-and-white art photograph, a nude woman stands between two rows of flourishing trees. She touches her side with one hand, her fingers pressed against her torso; the other hand is raised to her forehead. Her pose is deliberate and centered in the composition.
Composition
The woman gazes downward; her long dark hair drapes over one shoulder. Her legs cross slightly from the calves down, but not in a display of modesty. If anything, it is to mock displays of modesty such as fig leaves used in traditional art nudes.
Oranges hang from the branches and lie on the ground. The manicured limbs and leveled trail make it evident that this is an orchard. A finch is visible on a limb above and to the left of her head.
The trimmed tree tops form a “V” shape. This shape is echoed in each bent arm and the union at the top of her legs. Her legs themselves form a wedge that is reminiscent of the shape. An inverted “V” shape, subtle but distinct, exists between the grass line and the bottom of the trees.
The scene is dominated by the two dense areas of dark gray along either vertical. The bright female figure stands out against the darker vegetation around her. The oranges appear as vivid spheres dotting the limbs of the trees.
Theme
This contemporary image is a frank presentation of the nude female form. However, the cropping is calculated; with ample area dedicated to the foliage, the unclothed body does not confront the viewer.
This limited-edition photograph has an overall image height of 36 inches/91 cm. The figure is approximately 17 inches/44 cm tall.
