Woman with crab, 1900 – 1909 (before 1913)

About the Work

Oblivious to her surroundings, the naked woman squats on the ground. She is completely absorbed in observing a little crab running across the sand in front of her. Her crouching posture emphasises her exposed breasts but denies a glimpse of her pubic area, so that the nude portrait becomes an intimate one in a natural way. It expresses a search for simplicity and unspoilt naturalness. This genre figure was very popular in the 1920s and 1930s in particular and is one of the most frequently cast small sculptures by Maillol. Even in this small format the sculptor's preference for tranquil, harmonious and well-proportioned figures is evident.