Female Nude on Bicycle Postcard. J.H. Moesman Artist. This great postcard features a reproduction of a painting by artist J.H. Moesman. The image is of a nude woman riding a bicycle down a street in Holland.  Published by Art Unlimited, Amsterdam.

"J.H. Moesman (1909-1988) is sometimes called the 'only real Dutch surrealist'. For over forty years he worked for the Netherlands Railways in Utrecht, producing, as a side-line about the same number of paintings. His best paintings were made during the thirties, when, on two occasions, his work was removed from exhibitions in Amsterdam, for 'offending morals'. After the war, it was banned once more, turning him into an almost legendary celebrity during his lifetime."

The Rumour

This postcard features an intriguing and surreal artwork that captures a scene of a woman riding a bicycle through an old European-style town. The most striking and surreal aspect of the image is that the woman is depicted riding the bike nude, presenting a bold contrast between the natural human form and the quaint, serene urban setting.

The background of the image showcases a narrow, deserted street that curves slightly to the left, lined by old buildings with traditional European architecture. The buildings exhibit faded walls in hues of orange and beige, with shuttered windows and a distinctly aged appearance, evoking a sense of historical depth and timelessness. The cobblestone street adds texture to the scene, contributing to the old-world charm of the setting.

The sunlight in the image casts shadows on the street, suggesting it is either early morning or late afternoon. The sky is an inviting shade of soft blue, clear and free of clouds, which adds a calm and peaceful atmosphere to the tableau.

The woman on the bicycle is positioned centrally, captured from behind, adding an element of mystery as her face is not visible. Her nudity might symbolize vulnerability or freedom, and her relaxed posture on the bike suggests a sense of comfort and ease with the environment. Her shadow stretches out on the cobblestone street beside her, merging with the shadow of the bike, which contributes to the artwork's play on reality and shadow, possibly evoking themes of existence and presence.

Overall, the postcard is both visually striking and thought-provoking, blending elements of reality with surreal components to engage and challenge the viewer's perception.