Head of a Woman
1739
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1739
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
A woman’s face fills the frame, her gaze turned slightly away. She wears a red feathered headdress and a pearl necklace, her hair pulled back loosely. The dark background makes her skin and the white lace of her sleeve stand out. The brushstrokes are thick and textured, especially on her clothing and hair, giving it a rough, almost sculpted look. This style was used to add depth and drama. Next, look up chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create mood in paintings.
