Untitled

Untitled

Gwen John

1910

oil

From the collection of Museum of Modern Art

About this work

This painting shows a woman standing straight ahead, dressed in a simple white off-the-shoulder dress with a black sash tied in a bow. Her hair is pulled back, and she has a calm, serious look on her face. The background is a plain, muted green, keeping the focus on her. The brushstrokes are loose and visible, especially on her skin and dress, giving the painting a slightly textured feel. This technique makes the light and shadow play more noticeable. Look up impasto to see how artists use thick paint for texture.

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