Fitzroy Street Nude No. 2

'Fitzroy Street Nude No. 2' by Sir Matthew Smith exemplifies his mastery as a British painter known for nude painting (nu). Smith, who studied at the Manchester School of Art and the Slade School of Art, was influenced by Fauvism after studying under Henri Matisse in Paris. His work often features bold color and expressive brushwork, reflecting this avant-garde movement. Although he served in World War I and was wounded at Passchendaele, Smith’s artistic career flourished, earning him a CBE in 1949 and knighthood in 1954. The painting highlights his ability to combine modernist techniques with traditional themes.