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Amedeo Modigliani's "Nude on a Blue Cushion" from 1917 is a mesmerizing and sensually evocative work that exudes his characteristic stylistic elements, which blend a sense of classical refinement with modernist abstraction. The scene pictures a reclining nude female figure positioned languidly on a plush, vivid blue cushion. Her elongated form stretches horizontally across the canvas, her body radiating a blend of softness and elegance.

The model's skin is rendered in warm, earthy tones, which contrast sharply yet harmoniously with the cool, rich hue of the cushion she reclines on. The subtle shading and application of paint provide a tactile sense of flesh, while the figure's contours are defined with Modigliani’s typical sinuous lines. Her face, turned calmly towards the viewer, displays Modigliani's signature stylization: elongated neck and nose, almond-shaped eyes that lack defined pupils, and a mysteriously serene expression.

The background is minimalist and abstract, enhancing the focus on the sensual figure while the spare use of furnishings directs the viewer's complete attention toward the model. The absence of excessive detail around the setting allows the viewer to fully appreciate the flowing, undulating lines and curves of the woman's form, emphasizing her sensuality and the luxuriousness of her repose.

Context in Modigliani’s Career and Artistic Movements:
"Nude on a Blue Cushion" is quintessential Modigliani, crafted during a period when the artist was deeply immersed in producing a series of nudes between 1916 and 1919. This phase is critical as it marks some of the most significant and celebrated works of his career. Modigliani, an Italian-born painter and sculptor, worked mostly in Paris, where he absorbed and contributed to the avant-garde movements of the early 20th century.

This work exemplifies Modigliani's unique synthesis of influences from African art, the Italian Renaissance, and the burgeoning modernist movement. The elongated forms and simplification of features reflect a departure from realistic depiction in favor of emotional and aesthetic expression. His nudes are known not just for their stylized beauty but also for their unfiltered sensuality and human presence, which were groundbreaking at the time.

Provenance and Current Location:
As of the latest updates available, “Nude on a Blue Cushion” is part of a private collection, making it less accessible to the public compared to other works by Modigliani housed in major museums. Information about the painting's regular location could come from auction records or references in temporary exhibitions hosted by prestigious galleries and institutions that have previously displayed Modigliani's work.

Significance and Noteworthy Details:
The painting fits seamlessly into Modigliani's oeuvre, as it showcases his mastery of the nude form—a subject he repeatedly explored with distinct passion and originality. Because of the artist’s relatively short life and the limited quantity of his works, each piece, including "Nude on a Blue Cushion," holds significant value both artistically and financially.

This artwork, along with others from Modigliani's nudes series, was also part of an impactful 1917 solo exhibition at the Berthe Weill Gallery in Paris, which is famously noted for being shut down by police due to the supposedly indecent nature of the paintings displayed in the gallery’s window. This event underscores the raw intensity and modern sensibility of his approach to the nude, which continues to resonate and captivate audiences today.

In summary, "Nude on a Blue Cushion" stands as a testament to Modigliani's innovative vision and his exceptional ability to blend classical forms with modernist abstraction, resulting in timeless works that continue to influence and inspire the art world.