Who painted Portrait of an Old Peasant Woman, in Profile to the Right?

Portrait of an Old Peasant Woman, in Profile to the Right was painted by Wilhelm Leibl in 1874.

Where can I see Portrait of an Old Peasant Woman, in Profile to the Right?

Portrait of an Old Peasant Woman, in Profile to the Right is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Portrait of an Old Peasant Woman, in Profile to the Right?

Portrait of an Old Peasant Woman, in Profile to the Right is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of an Old Peasant Woman, in Profile to the Right?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of an Old Peasant Woman, in Profile to the Right are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of an Old Peasant Woman, in Profile to the Right

Wilhelm Leibl , 1874

Portrait of an Old Peasant Woman, in Profile to the Right is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Wilhelm Leibl. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1874, Wilhelm Leibl's etching Portrait of an Old Peasant Woman, in Profile to the Right captures the unidealized visage of an elderly rural subject.

Created in 1874, Wilhelm Leibl's etching Portrait of an Old Peasant Woman, in Profile to the Right captures the unidealized visage of an elderly rural subject. The composition isolates the figure against a plain, light background, directing full attention to the intricate topography of her face. Rendered with the precision characteristic of Leibl's Realist approach, the work details deep wrinkles and weathered skin, documenting the physical effects of a life of labor.

The woman is depicted in strict profile facing right, her head covered by a dark cap that obscures her hair, while a dark scarf or shawl wraps tightly around her neck. The stark contrast between the dark tones of her attire and the luminous background emphasizes her silhouette and the texture of her features. Executed during a period when Leibl was deeply committed to direct observation and the study of peasant life in Bavaria, this etching exemplifies his dedication to truthful representation over romanticized narrative.

The work stands as a testament to the artist's technical mastery in printmaking and his broader contribution to German Realism, focusing on the dignity and gravity of ordinary individuals.

Subject & Meaning

The image shows an elderly peasant woman seen in right‑hand profile. Her face is marked by deep lines, suggesting a life of labor, while a dark cap and shawl conceal her hair and shoulders. The quiet, introspective pose conveys a sense of dignity amid hardship.

Technique & Style

Leibl employs fine cross‑hatching to model the woman’s features, creating subtle gradations of light and shadow. The contrast between the light background and the darker clothing emphasizes the contours of the face, while the textured lines give the surface a tactile quality.

History & Provenance

Created in 1874, the etching entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings at an unspecified date. It remains one of the few printed works by Leibl held in a major American institution.

Context

Leibl, known primarily for his realist paintings, explored printmaking in the 1870s, focusing on everyday subjects. This portrait reflects his interest in portraying ordinary people with unembellished honesty, aligning with the broader realist movement of the period.