La vieille (Old Woman)

About this work

This sketch shows an older woman with a lined face and a serious expression. She wears a simple dress with a high collar and a bow at the neck. Her hair is pulled back under a head covering, and the lines around her eyes and mouth are drawn in with quick, confident strokes. The drawing looks unfinished, almost like a quick study rather than a polished portrait. The artist used loose lines to capture her features, leaving some edges rough and the background plain. Want to see more? Check out lithography to learn how artists like Martel made prints like this.