Nude with White Towel
- Artist: Henryk Gotlib
- Date: 1965
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The Courtauld Gallery
- Collection record: The Courtauld Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is the “Nude with White Towel” by Henryk Gotlib. Painted in 1965, it’s an oil on canvas that captures a striking moment of quiet intimacy. The figure sits on a simple, almost flat surface, with the white towel draped casually over her shoulder, creating a sharp contrast against her sun‑bleached skin. Gotlib’s brushwork here is energetic yet controlled—each stroke hints at movement while maintaining a sense of stillness. The palette leans toward warm earth tones, with subtle blues in the background that give depth without overwhelming the subject.
Gotlib was known for blending modernist abstraction with figurative elements, and this work is a clear example of that. The composition feels both timeless and contemporary, inviting viewers to contemplate the vulnerability and strength embodied in the pose. The canvas size allows for an intimate viewing experience, as if the subject is speaking directly to the observer. In the context of mid‑century art, the piece stands out for its bold, uncluttered approach, offering a fresh take on the traditional nude. Overall, “Nude with White Towel” showcases Gotlib’s ability to merge emotional depth with formal simplicity.
See it in person
Nude with White Towel hangs in The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, London. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
