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A figure looking directly outward

La Maja Vestida extends the reclining sitter across pale cushions, with a dark jacket and yellow sleeves framing the lighter clothing. Her gaze and raised arms give the pose a strong frontal presence. The simple background concentrates attention on the figure and the changing surfaces of fabric.

Bodies gathered around an action

The Forge brings three working figures close together around the central task. A raised hammer and bent backs create a compact rhythm of opposing angles. The pale shirt catches the strongest light, making the bodily effort legible against the restrained grey and brown surroundings.

A gathering under a dark sky

Witches’ Sabbath places a horned central figure among seated and standing people beneath a crescent moon. The compressed group contrasts with the open, dim sky above. It offers a marked shift from portraits and working scenes into the collection’s more disturbing imaginative subjects.

Related artists and collections

Compare dramatic figure groups in Eugène Delacroix, concentrated light in Rembrandt and uneasy imaginings in Henry Fuseli. Further myth and supernatural art develops the visionary subjects, while portraits and people returns to the expression and posture of individual figures.

Read more in our guide to nude painting.