Artwork
Young Woman with Long Hair
Young Woman with Long Hair is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Edmond Aman-Jean. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Edmond Aman‑Jean’s 1898 color lithograph titled Young Woman with Long Hair presents a close‑up portrait that emphasizes the subject’s flowing hair against a softly rendered backdrop. The composition is limited to the upper part of the face—forehead, eyebrows and a suggestion of the nose—while the surrounding area is filled with muted yellow‑beige tones that recede into a gentle blur.
Subject & Meaning
The work concentrates on the texture and movement of the woman’s hair, rendered in thick, wavy strokes that convey a sense of vitality. By isolating the hair and minimal facial features, the image invites contemplation of femininity and the everyday elegance of a simple, unposed figure, reflecting the artist’s interest in ordinary subjects.
Technique & Style
Created through the lithographic process, Aman‑Jean employed loose, brush‑like lines to achieve a lively surface quality. The color application is restrained, allowing the interplay of light tones to suggest depth without detailed modeling. This approach aligns with late‑19th‑century trends that favored swift, expressive marks and a focus on atmospheric effect over precise realism.
History & Provenance
The lithograph was produced in 1898, a period when Aman‑Jean was active in the French art scene, contributing to the diffusion of his work through print media. While specific ownership records are limited, the piece exemplifies the artist’s practice of issuing multiple impressions for broader distribution among collectors and exhibitions of the time.
Context
During the 1890s, French printmaking experienced a revival, with artists exploring lithography as a means to reach wider audiences. Aman‑Jean’s choice of a single, intimate subject reflects the broader cultural shift toward depicting contemporary life and personal moments, paralleling the interests of the Symbolist and early Modernist movements.
Artist & collection
