1809
oil
canvas
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Head of an Old Lady is a 1809 oil by Thomas Lawrence, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting is a portrait of an old lady. She is shown from the shoulders up, facing the viewer with a neutral expression. The artist has sketched her outline and begun to block in her features with oil paint. The portrait is unfinished, with the old lady's face and clothing partially painted. The background is a warm, golden color that complements the subject's skin tones. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, as if the old lady is lost in thought. If you're interested in learning more about this style of painting, you might want to look up the technique of chiaroscuro.
Sir Thomas Lawrence (13 April 1769 – 7 January 1830) was an English painter who served as the fourth president of the Royal Academy.
See the richer artist page
