Figure Study
1890
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1890
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
A woman sits in profile, her dark dress blending into the shadowy background. Her face is lit softly, almost like a candle glow. Whistler painted this quickly, as a study—just to practice light on skin. He didn’t care if it was finished. The museum thinks it might be pastel, but no one’s sure. The loose strokes make her feel alive, like she could turn her head any second. If you like how light plays on faces, look up *chiaroscuro*.
