Seated Woman Looking Down

Seated Woman Looking Down

Jean Antoine Watteau

1720

chalk

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a woman sitting with her head slightly tilted down. Her hair is pulled back, and she wears a high-necked dress with puffed sleeves. The artist used soft lines and shading to show her face and clothing, leaving some areas lightly drawn. The red and black chalk gives the drawing a warm, shadowy look, almost like a quick study. This style was common for artists practicing poses or expressions before finishing a painting. Check out Baroque to see how artists used drama and movement in their work.

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