Pierre Bonnard: Affinities, 2018

George Segal (American, 1924 – 2000 )

38 . Untitled Series IV # 2 (Nude on Tub)

1964 Pastel on paper 18 x 12 inches ( 45 . 7 x 30 . 5 cm.) Signed and dated lower right

provenance Estate of the artist.

Although best known as a sculptor in white plaster, Segal worked in pastel and made drawings throughout his career. His early pastels are reminiscent of Bon- nard’s work in his choice of intimate subject matter and in his vibrant use of color. In a 1977 interview Segal said, “I like plaster because plaster is infinite and you can do anything. I like pastels because you get a big box with every color in it. You just pick up the color you like.” Initially, he approached pastel as a way to give himself an outlet for his love of color which, at that time, was not a reflected in his stark, white, sculpture. His early pastels are reminiscent of Bonnard’s work in his choice of intimate subject matter and in his vibrant use of color.