This spectacular reclining nude is by modernist painter Sterling Strauser (1907 - 1995) and like most of his work, is painted in oil on masonite. This prolific painter worked in a manner similar to the abstract expressionists or "action" painters though he never fully abandoned imagery. His subjects were often the Pennsylvania landscape where he lived, still lifes– especially intense florals, nudes, and portraits. 

This nude references the many famous reclining odalisques from art history, but is marked by Strauser's singular style. He plays a muted palate of cool grays and earthy greens against the warm flesh of the subject. His frenetic line work is the product of his drawing directly into the wet paint with charcoal. As is often the case, Strauser's model, nude but for a pair of black stockings, looks out from behind her arm giving the viewer a coy glance.

The painting is signed and dated in the lower left corner. It measures 24"h X 36" and is currently in a period frame which mea