Artwork
Head of a Young Woman
Head of a Young Woman is a chalk print by the Romanticist artist Gilles Demarteau the Elder. It dates from 1773 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in plate: Watteau del.; lower right in plate: Demarteau sc.; across bottom in plate: A Paris chés Demarteau Graveur (paper abraded) rue de la Pelterie à la Cloche N. 419; by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: [pa?]933; by later hand, lower left verso in graphite: 8
About this work
Overview
Head of a Young Woman is a 1773 print by Gilles Demarteau the Elder, executed in chalk manner with red and black printing.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a young woman's face, slightly averted, with a loose bun and a wide-brimmed hat casting a shadow on her forehead. Her expression and the overall pose convey a sense of quiet contemplation.
Technique & Style
Characterized by soft, smudged lines and expressive, quick strokes, the print's technique imbues the portrait with a lively, somewhat unfinished quality. Subtle red and black accents add warmth to the predominantly pale tones.
History & Provenance
Created in 1773 by Gilles Demarteau the Elder, specific details regarding the print's ownership history and exhibitions are not provided.
Context
The use of chiaroscuro, evident in the hat's shadow, reflects the artistic emphasis on dramatic lighting during this period, enhancing the subject's depth and emotional nuance.
Legacy
While the print's individual impact is not elaborated, it contributes to the broader understanding of 18th-century printmaking techniques and the aesthetic preferences of the time.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
