Model on African Chair, Legs Crossed

In the early 1960s, Pearlstein rejected the abstract theories and styles of the time and turned to the unpopular idiom of realist figuration. Since then, he has created cool, calculated paintings based on his close observations of the nude model. Pearlstein is deeply concerned with the problem of conveying reality objectively. This canvas from 1980 illustrates the artist’s unique approach to the human figure.

Pearlstein works in a controlled setting, using only professional models. The bare walls of his studio and a selected prop—here, an African chair from the artist’s collection of ancient and tribal objects—provide the backdrop. The models are not posed artificially, but instead choose positions that are natural to them. Pearlstein then uses compositional devices such as unusual viewpoint and close cropping of the image to emphasize the crucial role of perception in his work. He does not wish to correct or idealize the body, but rather presents the human figure exactly as the eye records it.