The human body is lovely and may be used as an artistic medium, much like flowers, sunsets, and mountains. If the purpose of art is to communicate thoughts about humanity and man's position in the world, then the unadorned human form is a potent expressive instrument.

Renaissance painters made the nude a significant theme in Western art. The rebirth of interest in ancient antiquity and a renewed emphasis on the significance of the image in Christian worship led painters to draw from reality, resulting in new body depictions.

Using nudity, the artist may represent humans by focusing on the figure rather than unnecessary details like buttoned shirts, draped skirts, and fashionable hats. The artist's capacity to concentrate on what's essential and minimize distractions is another justification for using naked models.

The capacity to depict the nude body became a measure of creative talent, yet it was controversial in religious art. Many painters believed athletic, well-proportioned figures represented virtue, while others worried they would arouse desire. Over time, the nude has become primarily feminine. During these two centuries, however, painters emphasized men's and women's beauty.

The most renowned and prolific nude artists include Pierre Auguste Renoir (French, 1841 -1919), William Etty (British, 1787 -1849), Edvard Munch (Norwegian, 1863 -1944), Henri Lebasque (French, 1865 -1937), Jean-Jacques Henner (French, 1829 -1905), Edgar Degas (French, 1834 -1917), Pierre Bonnard (French, 1867 -1947), François Boucher (French, 1703 -1770), Louis M. Eilshemius (American, 1864 -1941), among others.