Mahnoor Shah “Nude Figure Study” Impressionist Painting, Early 2010s

An early 2010s untitled nude figure study impressionist painting on art board by well-known Pakistani artist Mahnoor Shah.

Sensitively depicted female figure in a casual seated pose, rendered in shades of grey against a solid light grey background. Turned head and featureless visage give the subject a hauntingly anonymous air. Raised arm trails off into a ghostly blur that reveals a loosely done pencil sketch underneath. Black hair and shadows and discreet white highlights suggest real depth and substance.

Mahnoor Shah (b. 1991) is a very talented and prolific figurative, portrait, and illustrative artist known for paintings that display masterful technique in multiple mediums. She has a striking ability to convey mood, movement, and message through a dynamic combination of keenly observed details, impressionist techniques, and expressionist flourishes.

We believe this to be an early work by the artist, as its smaller size and monochromatic grey palette stand in contrast to her more recent pieces, such as those currently repped by Saatchi Art and Fine Art America. We’ve reached out to the artist to inquire whether they might be able to provide more information about the work—including its title and if it’s a self portrait—and will update the listing accordingly.

Signed at bottom left. Presented under glass with silver-edged white mat in satin black lacquered frame with antiqued metallic vine motif border decoration and trim. Label on back for Berkeley, California, frame shop The Reprint Mint, an important Bay Area cultural institution that closed in 2016 after more than fifty years in business.

Dimensions
Height: 23.25 in.
Width: 19.25 in.
Depth: .88 in.
Sight is H 13.5 in. x W 10.5 in.
Condition good.
Wear consistent with age and use. In great condition. A few tiny, superficial marks to frame. A few minuscule specks between glass and mat at top left.