Head of a Young Woman Facing Left
1774
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1774
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Head of a Young Woman Facing Left is a 1774 chalk by Gilles Demarteau the Elder, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This drawing shows just the head and shoulders of a woman looking to the left. Her hair is loose, flowing down her back, and her face is soft with a gentle expression. The background is a pale blue, and the lines are light but defined, with some red and black shading to add depth. The artist used a mix of chalk colors to create this image, giving it a sketchy, almost dreamy feel. The way the light hits her face suggests a focus on mood over detail. If you like this style, look up chiaroscuro next.
