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Studies of a Female Head [recto]

Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr.

1860

charcoal

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Portrait

Dominant colour

Studies of a Female Head [recto] is a 1860 charcoal by Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr., a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr.
When & what style?: 1860 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a woman’s head turned slightly to the side. You can see her hair pulled back, her eyes closed, and her mouth relaxed. The lines are soft and rough, like quick pencil strokes. The artist used loose shading to show light and shadow without hard edges. This style was common in studies where speed mattered more than detail. Look up cross-hatching to see how artists build up tone with layers of lines.