Human Figure
Art that shows the human body, often to explore beauty, movement, or emotion.
What is it?
The human figure is a common subject in art. Artists draw, paint, or sculpt people to show how they look and feel. In Matisse's "Bathers with a Turtle," the women's bodies are simplified and painted in bright colors. Matisse was not trying to make them look real; he wanted to show their energy and the mood of the scene.
Why it matters
The human figure has been important in art for thousands of years. It helps us understand how artists see people and what they want to express about us.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more exhibits featuring the human figure.