102 / 106
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.