Date: N.D.
Dimensions: 22.5 × 12.25cm
Medium: Oil on canvas
Collection: Niland Collection
Provenance: Presented by James A Healy, 1975 (Josephine C. Healy Memorial Collection)

Description

While some of his symbolist works relate to famous works of classical music, including Wagner’s opera Das Rheingold, others, such as Wood Nymph, depict female nudes in natural settings and appear to have few specific mythological references.

In Greek mythology nymphs were minor nature goddesses who appeared as beautiful maidens and usually inhabited the sea, rivers, woods or trees.

Throughout history artists have used mythological themes as an excuse to paint the female nude. Created using thin glazes of paint, this atmospheric image of reclining nude in a woodland setting fits into this genre.

Written by Riann Coulter