nude

Nude refers to the state of being unclothed, especially the human body. In everyday use, it describes a person without clothing; in art and literature, the term nude refers to an artistic representation of the unclothed human figure. The word is often contrasted with naked to emphasize intentional depiction rather than mere state.

Etymology: from Old French nu, Latin nudus. In Western art, the nude has been a central subject since antiquity, with genres of classical sculpture, Renaissance painting, and modern photography exploring idealized beauty, anatomy, and the relation of the body to space and meaning. The distinction between male and female nudes, and between idealized versus naturalistic depictions, has varied across periods.

Context and reception: Attitudes toward nudity differ widely by culture, legal jurisdiction, and media. Public nudity may be regulated; artistic or educational contexts may grant more latitude. In art history and feminist critique, debates focus on the gaze, objectification, and the politics of representation.

Other uses: The term also appears in fashion and cosmetics as a nude color or shade approximating skin tones. The term is linked to nudism or naturism, movements advocating social nudity and the normalization of the unclothed body in designated spaces.