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Studies of an Elderly Woman

Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr.

1880

gouache

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Portrait

Dominant colour

Studies of an Elderly Woman is a 1880 gouache by Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr., a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr.
When & what style?: 1880 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows five quick drawings of an older woman’s face and shoulders. The lines are loose, and the shading is soft, with some light gray and white highlights on her skin. One sketch includes her hands resting on her lap. These sketches look like practice—maybe the artist was testing different angles. The paper is plain, and the colors are muted, with just a few light touches to show depth. Want to see more? Check out gouache—it’s a water-based paint that lets you layer colors like this.